labellum

noun

la·​bel·​lum lə-ˈbe-ləm 

plural labella lə-ˈbe-lə 

1

: the median and usually most morphologically distinct member of the corolla of an orchid

2

: a terminal part of the labium or labrum of various insects

Examples of labellum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The flower, Cymbidium serratum, has green petals but a brightly colored lip, or labellum, which is sweet, a tasty treat for the wild mountain mouse. — Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026

They are characterized by a labellum or lip lined in red, purple or maroon that attracts pollinators. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

Consider, for instance, the Paphiopedilum, or slipper orchid, so named for the shoe-like appendage, called a labellum, into which pollinating insects crawl. — Chloe Schama, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2023

The sepals, which are pink, petal-like extensions of the flower, look like wings while the lip (or labellum) mimics the body of a bee. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of labrum lip — more at lip

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for labellum

• coelom
• flagellum
• scutellum
• antebellum
• cerebellum
• bellum
• pelham
• vellum
• velum