ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lily

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈɫɪɫi// UK //lˈɪli// lily Slang Vulgar

n. a large, beautiful flower that is shaped like a bell or a trumpet. They often have a strong, sweet smell and come in many colors like white, yellow, or pink.

n. a large, trumpet-shaped flower belonging to the genus Lilium, typically possessing six petals and prominent stamens. Often associated with purity in Western iconography or mourning in funerary contexts.


SIMPLE

She planted a white lily in the center of her garden.

CONTEXTUAL

The florist suggested a bouquet of lilies because their fragrance would fill the entire room during the wedding reception.

COMPLEX

The artist spent years perfecting the delicate translucency of the lily petals, attempting to capture how the morning light filtered through their waxy surface.

Origin

A 19th-century flower name, from lily. Also a diminutive of Lilian and sometimes Elizabeth.

Usage

Commonly used as a feminine given name; when used as a botanical term, it refers specifically to the family Liliaceae.

Idioms1 entry

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