amaryllis

[ am-uh-ril-is ]

noun

1. any of several bulbous plants of the genus Hippeastrum, especially H. puniceum, which has large red, pink, or white lilylike flowers and is popular as a houseplant. Compare amaryllis family.
2. Also called belladonna lily,. a bulbous plant, Amaryllis belladonna, having clusters of usually rose-colored lilylike flowers.
3. any of several bulbous, ornamental plants with lilylike flowers.
4. Amaryllis,
   1. a shepherdess or country girl, especially in classical and later pastoral poetry.
   2. a first name.

amaryllis

¹

/ ˌæməˈrɪlɪs /

noun

1. Also calledbelladonna lily an amaryllidaceous plant, Amaryllis belladonna, native to southern Africa and having large lily-like reddish or white flowers
2. any of several related plants, esp hippeastrum

Amaryllis

²

/ ˌæməˈrɪlɪs /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of amaryllis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of amaryllis¹

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

Example Sentences

Her sisters are called Isabella Amaryllis Charlotte and Pandora Lorna Mary.

From The Daily Beast

She wheeled back and let her hands fall on the keys, rippling by a natural suggestion into the old tune “Amaryllis.”

From Project Gutenberg

We got off at his little private station, where John's family and Amaryllis met and greeted us.

From Project Gutenberg

Then I must come to luncheon on board the Amaryllis to-morrow.

From Project Gutenberg

Before all, however, should be mentioned the carmine-red Amaryllis.

From Project Gutenberg

It is certain that amongst recent species, the chief affinity is with B. Hameri and amaryllis.

From Project Gutenberg