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

Motifs including camellia flowers, olive branches, banana leaves, and lotus flowers are translated into a dimensional composition crafted in wood and plaster. —Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 20 Feb. 2026

She’s partnered with The Vault on a one-of-one set that’s the epitome of her ethos, a style built on an abstracted lotus flower. —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 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

Your body—its strength and vitality entirely restored—has assumed an effortless full lotus pose. —Hallie Cantor, New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2026

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