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poppy

noun pop·py \ ˈpä-pē \
|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of poppy

plural poppies
1 a : any of a genus (Papaver of the family Papaveraceae, the poppy family) of chiefly annual or perennial herbs with milky juice, showy regular flowers, and capsular fruits including the opium poppy and several forms cultivated as ornamentals
b : an extract or decoction of poppy used medicinally
2 : a strong reddish orange

See poppy defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of poppy from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of poppy

Middle English popi, from Old English popæg, popig, modification of Latin papaver

POPPY Defined for English Language Learners

poppy

noun

Definition of poppy for English Language Learners

  • : a type of plant that has bright red or orange flowers and that is the source of opium; also : its flower

POPPY Defined for Kids

poppy

noun pop·py \ ˈpä-pē \

Definition of poppy for Students

plural poppies
: a plant with a hairy stem and showy usually red, yellow, or white flowers

Medical Dictionary

poppy

noun pop·py \ ˈpäp-ē \

medical Definition of poppy

plural poppies
: any herb of the genus Papaver (family Papaveraceae, the poppy family); especially : opium poppy

Learn More about poppy

  1. See words that rhyme with poppy Spanish Central: Translation of poppy Nglish: Translation of poppy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of poppy for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poppy

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