lily of the valley

noun phrase

: a low perennial herb (Convallaria majalis) of the asparagus family that has usually two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers

Examples of lily of the valley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, scarlet lily beetles sometimes also feed on other ornamentals, including hostas, lily of the valley, hollyhock, flowering tobacco, potatoes, bittersweet, and Solomon’s seal. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025

The outdoor photos show the couple smiling, with Camilla wearing a white and beige coat dress by Anna Valentine and a lily of the valley brooch. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025

This airier version features the same notes as the original and features an aromatic bouquet of Turkish rose, lily of the valley, and peony. —Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 29 May 2025

This all-purpose detergent is decadently (but not overwhelmingly) scented with notes of lily of the valley, musk, and sandalwood for a bright, crisp scent, skillfully targeting dirt stains and grime every wash. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lily of the valley

• alley
• alli
• bally
• calli
• challis
• dally
• galley
• galli
• lally
• mallee
• mally
• rally

Kids Definition

lily of the valley

: a low herb that is related to the lilies and has usually two large oblong leaves and a stalk of fragrant flowers shaped like bells

Medical Definition

lily of the valley

noun

lily of the val·​ley ˈlil-ē-əv-t͟hə-ˈval-ē 

plural lilies of the valley

1

: an erect low-growing perennial herb of the genus Convallaria (C. majalis) that has two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers and is the source of convallaria, convallamarin, convallarin, and convallatoxin

2

: the dried rhizome and roots of the lily of the valley used as a cardiac tonic