# poppy

/ˈpɑpi/ (US) · /pˈɒpi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/poppy
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the flower

noun · CEFR B2

a type of plant with bright flowers, usually red, that have small black seeds.

For teachers: any plant of the genus Papaver, characterized by crumpled petals and milky sap; specifically the red corn poppy.

- The fields were filled with bright red poppies in the early summer.
- Wild poppies often colonize disturbed soil, creating vast blankets of scarlet across former battlefields and agricultural land.

### 2. symbol of remembrance

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a small paper or plastic red flower worn to remember soldiers who died in wars.

For teachers: an artificial flower worn as a symbol of commemorative remembrance for those who died in armed conflicts.

- Many people wear a poppy on their coats in November to show respect.
- In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday, it is customary for public figures in the UK to display a poppy on their lapel.

Usage: often used with the verb 'wear'

### 3. pop music style

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

describing music that is catchy, popular, and easy to like.

For teachers: characteristic of or resembling pop music, especially in its catchy, upbeat, or commercial nature.

- The band's new song is very poppy and will probably be a big hit.
- While their earlier work was quite dark and experimental, their latest album takes a much more poppy and accessible direction.

### 4. grandfather or father

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · American English

a friendly name for a father or grandfather.

For teachers: an affectionate term of address or title for a father, grandfather, or elderly male authority figure.

- I'm going to visit my Poppy at the weekend to help him in the garden.
- The children always looked forward to their summer holidays spent at Poppy's house by the lake.

## Examples

- The field was full of bright red poppy flowers.
- Every November, many people wear a red poppy on their coats to honour those who served in the military.
- While the wild poppy is celebrated for its vibrant beauty in open meadows, certain varieties are cultivated globally for the pharmaceutical industry due to their high alkaloid content.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.