trillium

noun

tril·​li·​um ˈtri-lē-əm 

: any of a genus (Trillium of the family Melanthiaceae) of herbs with an erect stem bearing a whorl of three leaves and a solitary typically spring-blooming flower

Illustration of trillium

Examples of trillium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Early spring brought delicate ephemerals like trilliums, bluebells and trout lilies to forest floors. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Keep an eye out for trillium, a beloved native Michigan wildflower. — Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 9 July 2026

Years ago, many more trilliums were blooming inside the fence, compared with outside. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

Nowadays, the woodland preserve is brimming with native plants, lush with trillium, wild ginger and Jack in the Pulpits and more. — Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Swedish trilling triplet; from its three leaves

First Known Use

circa 1760, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing trillium

• painted trillium

Rhymes for trillium

• beryllium
• concilium
• ileum
• lilium
• psyllium
• penicillium
• verticillium

Kids Definition

trillium

noun

tril·​li·​um ˈtril-ē-əm 

: any of a genus of herbs related to the lilies that have three large leaves arranged around the upright stem at the same level and a single flower with three petals at the end of the stem

called also wake-robin