lily

noun \ ˈli-lē \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of lily

plural lilies

1 : any of a genus (Lilium of the family Liliaceae, the lily family) of erect perennial leafy-stemmed bulbous herbs that are native to the temperate northern hemisphere and are widely cultivated for their showy flowers; broadly : any of various plants of the lily family or of the related amaryllis or iris families

2 : any of various plants with showy flowers: such as

a : a scarlet anemone (Anemone coronaria) of the Mediterranean region

b : water lily

c : calla lily

3 : fleur-de-lis 2

—

lily-like

or lilylike play \ˈli-lē-ˌlīk\ adjective

See lily defined for English-language learners

See lily defined for kids

Recent Examples of lily from the Web

One, of white lilies, was put there as a symbol of the universe; another, of white roses, were meant to represent the polar star.

— dave quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Thousands Flock to Stephen Hawking's Funeral Including Theory of Everything Star Eddie Redmayne," 31 Mar. 2018
The atmosphere is gilding for the lily that is Sproose, a double IPA made with spruce tips.

— kathy flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "5 go-to Milwaukee breweries for a beer lover's list," 22 Mar. 2018
The work from another artist, Vorperian, reimagines his grandmother's ornate crochets into a lively garden of lilies constructed from various materials.

— jeff landa, latimes.com, "Central Library exhibits explore concept of inherited trauma related to the Armenian Genocide," 14 Mar. 2018
The former president's portrait features flowers in the background: chrysanthemums referencing the official flower of Chicago, jasmine evoking his native Hawaii and African blue lilies in memory of his late father.

— sacbee, "See the unveiling of the Obamas' portaits," 12 Feb. 2018
Here are some quick options that go beyond favorites such as lilies and orchids.

— jeanette marantos, latimes.com, "These Easter blooms do double duty in the garden," 30 Mar. 2018
The flower cross was soon heavy with fragrant lilies, gladiolas, roses and even a few colorful weeds from tiny children's hands, and was changed before our eyes into Holy art.

— greg garrison, AL.com, "Southern playwright Tennessee Williams majored in journalism at Mizzou," 26 Mar. 2018
Medium-height plants may include calendulas, peonies, gladiolus, lilies, standing cypress, echinacea, daisies, gaillardia, Swiss chard, zinnias or any annual or perennial that loves full sun exposure.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Cottage gardens can include edibles as well as ornamentals | Idaho Statesman," 21 Mar. 2018
Easter plants range in price from $4 to $15 and include lilies, daffodils, hyacinths, hydrangeas, shamrocks, geraniums, tulips, primroses and pansies.

— carol kovach, cleveland.com, "Lakewood Historical Society to get a new home: A Place in the Sun," 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lily.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.