mariposa lily

noun

mar·​i·​po·​sa lily ˌmer-ə-ˈpō-zə- How to pronounce mariposa lily (audio)
ˌma-rə-,
-sə-
: any of a genus (Calochortus) of western North American plants of the lily family with showy flowers having three petals and three sepals

called also mariposa tulip

compare sego lily

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Naturalist Ann Sarg suggests visiting the park to catch blooms in May, when natives like Nelson’s larkspur, nuttall violet, sand lilies, and mariposa lily bloom along paths like the Willow Creek trail. Sunset, 22 Jan. 2018

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

Word History

Etymology

probably from American Spanish mariposa, from Spanish, butterfly

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mariposa lily was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near mariposa lily

Cite this Entry

“Mariposa lily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mariposa%20lily. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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