plural lilies
1
: any of a genus (Lilium of the family Liliaceae, the lily family) of erect perennial leafy-stemmed bulbous herbs that are native to the temperate northern hemisphere and are widely cultivated for their showy flowers
broadly
: any of various plants of the lily family or of the related amaryllis or iris families
2
: any of various plants with showy flowers: such as
a
: a scarlet anemone (Anemone coronaria) of the Mediterranean region
b
c
: resembling a lily in fairness, purity, or fragility
… my lady's lily hand …—
John Keats
John KeatsExamples of lily in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Referencing the Korean moon jar, a monumental lily and an aerodynamic automotive prototype, the collection traced a progression from origin to transformation to forward motion, proposing innovation as refinement rather than rupture.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Inspired by luxury fine fragrances, the scent notes include peach, apple, cherry, lily, lilac, jasmine, and musk.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lily
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Noun
During spring, fields upon fields of California poppies, sky lupine, chocolate lilies, and other blossoms erupt across the mountain’s grasslands, which are best explored via a moderate, four-mile hiking trail.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Referencing the Korean moon jar, a monumental lily and an aerodynamic automotive prototype, the collection traced a progression from origin to transformation to forward motion, proposing innovation as refinement rather than rupture.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
These white leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the rod-like spadix, which contains the true peace lily blossoms.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Inspired by luxury fine fragrances, the scent notes include peach, apple, cherry, lily, lilac, jasmine, and musk.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lily
Cite this Entry
“Lily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lily. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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