water lily
noun
: any of various aquatic plants (especially genera Nymphaea and Nuphar of the family Nymphaeaceae, the water-lily family) with floating leaves and usually showy flowers
broadly
: an aquatic plant (such as a water hyacinth) with showy flowers
Examples of water lily in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Infused with water lily extract, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower seed oil, the hydrating pigments in Saie Glow Sculpt Multi-Use Cream Highlighting Blush deposit a dewy flush on cheeks, lids, and (in a pinch) lips.
—
Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023
Some good pollinator plants for ponds include water lilies, buttercups, and irises.
—Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2023
The second, the blue water lily, which has psychoactive properties and has been used throughout history in traditional medicine to help with woes like sleep deprivation and anxiety.
—Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 15 June 2023
With a blend of lotus, gardenia, and water lily, this foundation helps soothe and calm your skin, while smelling amazing.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 13 June 2023
Spend your morning surrounded by roses and water lilies at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2023
The larkspur and water lily also represent those born in July.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 June 2023
Mild Deodorant With subtle, sophisticated scents — water lily, aloe, lavender, coconut — and softening ingredients like castor oil, aluminum-free Ivory wards off odor without irritating skin (or the senses).
—Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023
Climate and the fight of our lives Claude Monet is best known for his stunning depictions of water lilies at his garden in northern France.
—Dharna Noor, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Mar. 2023
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Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023
Some good pollinator plants for ponds include water lilies, buttercups, and irises.
—Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2023
The second, the blue water lily, which has psychoactive properties and has been used throughout history in traditional medicine to help with woes like sleep deprivation and anxiety.
—Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 15 June 2023
With a blend of lotus, gardenia, and water lily, this foundation helps soothe and calm your skin, while smelling amazing.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 13 June 2023
Spend your morning surrounded by roses and water lilies at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
—Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2023
The larkspur and water lily also represent those born in July.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 June 2023
Mild Deodorant With subtle, sophisticated scents — water lily, aloe, lavender, coconut — and softening ingredients like castor oil, aluminum-free Ivory wards off odor without irritating skin (or the senses).
—Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023
Climate and the fight of our lives Claude Monet is best known for his stunning depictions of water lilies at his garden in northern France.
—Dharna Noor, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'water lily.' 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
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of water lily was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near water lily
Cite this Entry
“Water lily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20lily. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
water lily
noun
: any of a family of water plants with rounded floating leaves and usually showy flowers
More from Merriam-Webster on water lily
Nglish: Translation of water lily for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about water lily
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