lotus

noun

lo·​tus ˈlō-təs 

plural lotuses also lotus

1

or less commonly lotos

ˈlō-təs 

: a fruit eaten by the lotus-eaters and considered to cause indolence and dreamy contentment

also : a tree (such as Zizyphus lotus of the buckthorn family) reputed to bear this fruit

2

: any of various water lilies including several represented in ancient Egyptian and Hindu art and religious symbolism

3

[New Latin, from Latin]

a

: any of a genus (Lotus) of widely distributed upright herbs or subshrubs of the legume family

b

: sweet clover

Illustration of lotus

• lotus 2

Examples of lotus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 220-piece set includes two blooming lotus flowers and a budding flower with pink-and-white petals and long green stems. — Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 24 June 2026

In 2016 at the Japanese Garden, Yoko Ono unveiled Sky Landing — a sculpture composed of 12 large steel lotus petals. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 June 2026

Catholic Charities’ mission is symbolized in its logo, a lotus, which Worth said represents beauty growing in murky waters, comparing the flower to the work Catholic Charities does to assist people in need of housing. — Jake Ramsey, Oklahoma Watch, 4 Feb. 2026

Featuring diamonds and rubies in a lotus flower and Mughal arch motif, the tiara—which was worn once by the late Queen Elizabeth II during a trip to Malta in 2005—is the largest diadem seen on Kate to date. — Emily Chan, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin & Greek; Latin lotus, from Greek lōtos

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing lotus

• lotus-eater
• lotus position

Rhymes for lotus

• motus
• notice
• haliotis
• melilotus
• microtus
• myotis

Kids Definition

lotus

noun

lo·​tus ˈlōt-əs 

: any of various water lilies including several represented in ancient Egyptian and Hindu art