paperwhite

noun

pa·​per·​white ˈpā-pər-ˌ(h)wīt How to pronounce paperwhite (audio)
: a polyanthus narcissus bearing clusters of small very fragrant pure white flowers

Examples of paperwhite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Like paperwhites, the real wow factor of these flowers is watching the bulbs blossom right before your eyes. Grace Haynes, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2023 The paperwhite gets its name from the delicate texture of its petals, which are said to be as thin as paper. Samantha Lawyer, Woman's Day, 2 Feb. 2023 Begin forcing amaryllis and paperwhite narcissus for indoor displays. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2022 North Florida residents have good luck getting fragrant paperwhite narcissuses to bloom year after year during the winter months. Tom MacCubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 11 Dec. 2021 Other perfumey flowers, including hyacinth, jasmine, gardenia, tuberose, paperwhite and lilac, are also more likely to irritate sensitive noses. Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2021 Generally, paperwhite narcissus has a musky fragrance, which some people do not enjoy. San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Dec. 2020 Your favorite nursery may have a good selection of holiday plants such as Christmas cactus, phalaenopsis orchids, paperwhite, cyclamen and amaryllis on sale now that the Christmas rush is over. Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, 2 Jan. 2020 One plant that is apparently not blooming yet is paperwhite. Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, 13 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paperwhite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paperwhite was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near paperwhite

Cite this Entry

“Paperwhite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperwhite. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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