Daphne

American  

[daf-nee] / ˈdæf ni /

noun

1. Classical Mythology. a nymph who, when pursued by Apollo, was saved by being changed into a laurel tree.

2. (lowercase) any Eurasian shrub belonging to the genus Daphne, certain species of which, as D. mezereum, are cultivated for their fragrant flowers.

3. a female given name.

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Daphne ¹ British  

/ ˈdæfnɪ /

noun

1. Greek myth a nymph who was saved from the amorous attentions of Apollo by being changed into a laurel tree

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daphne ² British  

/ ˈdæfnɪ /

noun

1. any shrub of the Eurasian thymelaeaceous genus Daphne, such as the mezereon and spurge laurel: ornamentals with shiny evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers See also laurel

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Etymology

Origin of Daphne

< Latin Daphnē < Greek dáphnē laurel

Example Sentences

Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar returned to the starting XI and put in a stunning performance, denying Sam Kerr on several occasions in the second half.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Ursula has shades of Gellar’s famous characters — Buffy’s physical ferocity, Kathryn Merteuil’s ruthless cattiness, Daphne Blake’s affinity for mysterious games — but doesn’t play to one exclusively.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

The English actress, 30, was up for the role of Daphne Bridgerton, one of the protagonists in Season 1 of the period romance series.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

The narrator of Daphne du Maurier’s lush saga begins at a disadvantage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

Daphne, who was now living with her family full-time, was coming to my party, so I asked if her family could be included.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter