amaryllis

[ am-uh-ril-is ]

/ ˌæm əˈrɪl ɪs /

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noun

any of several bulbous plants of the genus Hippeastrum, especially H. puniceum, which has large red or pink flowers and is popular as a houseplant.Compare amaryllis family.

Also called belladonna lily, naked lady . a related plant, Amaryllis belladonna, having clusters of usually rose-colored flowers.

any of several other similar or related plants.

Amaryllis, a shepherdess or country girl, especially in classical and later pastoral poetry.

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Origin of amaryllis

First recorded in 1785–95; from Latin: name of a shepherdess in Vergil's Eclogues

Words nearby amaryllis

amaretto, Amarillo, marked man, a, Amarna, amaryllidaceous, amaryllis, amaryllis family, Amarynceus, Amasa, amass, Amata

Other definitions for amaryllis (2 of 2)

Amaryllis

[ am-uh-ril-is ]

/ ˌæm əˈrɪl ɪs /

noun

a female given name.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use amaryllis in a sentence

Her sisters are called Isabella Amaryllis Charlotte and Pandora Lorna Mary.
Cressida Bonas vs. Cara Delevingne: A Differentiation Guide to Two Celebrity English Roses|Tom Sykes|June 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She wheeled back and let her hands fall on the keys, rippling by a natural suggestion into the old tune “Amaryllis.”
The Idyl of Twin Fires|Walter Prichard Eaton
We got off at his little private station, where John's family and Amaryllis met and greeted us.
Sixes and Sevens|O. Henry
Then I must come to luncheon on board the Amaryllis to-morrow.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 93, October 15th 1887|Various

Before all, however, should be mentioned the carmine-red Amaryllis.
Unknown Mexico, Volume 1 (of 2)|Carl Lumholtz
It is certain that amongst recent species, the chief affinity is with B. Hameri and amaryllis.
A Monograph on the Sub-class Cirripedia (Volume 2 of 2)|Charles Darwin

British Dictionary definitions for amaryllis (1 of 2)

amaryllis

/ (ˌæməˈrɪlɪs) /

noun

Also called: belladonna lily an amaryllidaceous plant, Amaryllis belladonna, native to southern Africa and having large lily-like reddish or white flowers

any of several related plants, esp hippeastrum

Word Origin for amaryllis

C18: from New Latin, from Latin: named after Amaryllis

British Dictionary definitions for amaryllis (2 of 2)

Amaryllis

/ (ˌæməˈrɪlɪs) /

noun

(in pastoral poetry) a name for a shepherdess or country girl

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012