ranunculus

noun

ra·​nun·​cu·​lus rə-ˈnəŋ-kyə-ləs 

plural ranunculus or ranunculuses or ranunculi rə-ˈnəŋ-kyə-ˌlī 

-ˌlē

: any of a large genus (Ranunculus of the family Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family) of chiefly perennial herbaceous plants with tuberous or fibrous roots and typically yellow, five-petaled, cup-shaped flowers and including one (R. asiaticus) of southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia widely cultivated for its white, yellow, pink, red, or orange flowers having multiple layers of petals see buttercup, lesser celandine

Examples of ranunculus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All fifty tables were adorned with a luscious arrangement of ranunculi in orange, pink, and yellow, contrasted with violet tablecloths and neon green name cards. —Maia Torres, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024

Only regulars showed; Smithson left a bouquet of yellow ranunculuses at the scene where Riley was found. —Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2024

The book is about flower bulb grower Luther Gage, who cultivated the giant Tecolote ranunculus, which can be seen at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024

Despite the February slush outside, bouquets of orange ranunculus adorned the tables. —Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024

Pair with yellow and orange ranunculus, tulips, or other spring flowers in similar tones from the grocery store. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2024

It's located in plant hardiness zone 8, which is ideal for roses, peonies, and ranunculus. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2024

Knudson adds that ranunculus and spirea are also excellent choices for a spring wedding arrangement. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2023

Kristen also carried a bouquet of garden roses, ranunculus and eucalyptus down the aisle. —Kaitlin Stevens, Peoplemag, 11 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, from diminutive of rana frog

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above