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

An orange metallic bikini, one-piece swimsuit, and orange knit dress all feature lotus flower prints strategically placed over the bust and crotch. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2025

The formula is infused with a botanical blend of white water lily, gardenia, and lotus to help nourish and soothe skin with every application. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2025

In Buddhism and Hinduism, the lotus is a sacred symbol associated with spiritual enlightenment, purity and compassion. —Shelley Mitchell, The Conversation, 31 Oct. 2025

Pisces connects to sea salt, lotus, and soft musks. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 17 Oct. 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