daffodil

American  

[daf-uh-dil] / ˈdæf ə dɪl /

noun

1. a bulbous plant, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, of the amaryllis family, having solitary, yellow, nodding flowers that bloom in the spring.

2. (formerly) any plant of the genus Narcissus.

3. clear yellow; canary.

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adjective

1. of the color daffodil.

daffodil British  

/ ˈdæfədɪl /

noun

1. Also called: Lent lily.  a widely cultivated Eurasian amaryllidaceous plant, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, having spring-blooming yellow flowers

2. any other plant of the genus Narcissus

3. 1. a brilliant yellow colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      daffodil paint

4. a daffodil, or a representation of one, as a national emblem of Wales

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Etymology

Origin of daffodil

1530–40; unexplained variant of Middle English affodile < Vulgar Latin affodillus, variant of asphodelus < Greek asphódelos asphodel

Example Sentences

Twin Peaks, a tiny town near Lake Arrowhead, has planted thousands of daffodil bulbs as part of the Julie Greer Daffodil Project.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2025

Daffodil blooms welcome spring like a dose of botanical sunshine, although a mildly poisonous botanical sunshine.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2023

Daffodil bulbs, which are widely sold in supermarkets at this time of year, can bear a resemblance to some vegetables at first glance.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2023

Down the road in Athens, Socrates suggested that the state should select the best men and women—the Daffodil and Breadbowl of the Agora—and assign them to reproduce.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2020

That would be enough to get her kicked out of Daffodil Manor for lying, even if it was the truth.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• dictum
• epigram
• maxim
• witticism