lily of the valley

American  

noun

plural

lilies of the valley

1. a plant, Convallaria majalis, having an elongated cluster of small, drooping, bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers.

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lily of the valley British  

noun

1. a small liliaceous plant, Convallaria majalis, of Eurasia and North America cultivated as a garden plant, having two long oval leaves and spikes of white bell-shaped flowers

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Etymology

Origin of lily of the valley

First recorded in 1555–65

Example Sentences

You can also try perennials such as the marsh marigold, Lily of the valley, astilbe, clematis, primrose, pansy and lamb’s ear.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2014

Lily of the valley bore clusters of brightest red; but the false lily of the valley in the woods had berries that were speckled with brown.

From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen

Lily of the valley, thou very well dost tally   With my notion of a modest, gentle maid.

From The Emigrant Mechanic and Other Tales in Verse Together with Numerous Songs Upon Canadian Subjects by Cowherd, Thomas

Well, you must be always as a drop of dew hidden in the heart of this beautiful Lily of the valley.

From The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme): The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux With Additional Writings and Sayings of St. Thérèse by Taylor, Thomas N. (Thomas Nimmo)

Lily of the valley grows best in partial shade in some unfrequented corner.

From Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study by Ontario. Ministry of Education