tulip

noun

tu·​lip ˈtü-ləp 

ˈtyü-

: any of a genus (Tulipa) of Eurasian bulbous herbs of the lily family that have linear or broadly lanceolate leaves and are widely grown for their showy flowers

also : the flower or bulb of a tulip

Examples of tulip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The garland-style crown features diamonds shaped into tulips and stars, interspersed with continuous running scrolls, and was originally gifted to Diana's grandmother, Lady Cynthia Hamilton, on her wedding day in 1919. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 29 July 2025

Canal Ring Netherlands Beyond tulips and windmills, Amsterdam is commonly associated with its many waterways. —Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 25 July 2025

The 550 community gardens that have been blessed with permanence all around the city are gloriously wasteful, crowding out towers with tulips and tomato plants. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 June 2025

It’s made from a breathable, sweat-wicking fabric and comes in five fun colors—including tulip pink and deep azure blue—that are perfect for summer. —Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin tulipa, from Turkish tülbent turban — more at turban

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tulip

• cottage tulip
• Darwin tulip
• tulip poplar
• tulip tree

Kids Definition

tulip

noun

tu·​lip ˈt(y)ü-ləp 

: any of a genus of Eurasian herbs that grow from bulbs, have large lance-shaped leaves, are related to the lilies, and are widely grown for their showy cup-shaped flowers

also : the flower or bulb of a tulip

Etymology

from scientific Latin tulipa "the tulip," from Turkish tülbent "tulip," literally "turban"

Word Origin

We often think of the tulip as a Dutch flower. The Dutch certainly do grow many tulips, but they first got the plant from Turkey. The Turkish word for the tulip was tülbent, meaning literally "turban." Perhaps it was the flower's shape that reminded the Turks of a turban. Or perhaps it was the bright colors and velvety petals. In any case, scientists picking a universal word for the flower chose the scientific Latin tulipa, taken from the Turkish word. The word came into English from the scientific Latin and was spelled tulip.