amaryllis

American  

[am-uh-ril-is] / ˌæm əˈrɪl ɪs /

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.

2. Also called naked lady.  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.

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amaryllis ¹ British  

/ ˌæməˈrɪlɪs /

noun

1. Also called: belladonna 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

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Amaryllis ² British  

/ ˌæməˈrɪlɪs /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of amaryllis

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

Example Sentences

Her favorite holiday tradition, though, is forcing paperwhite and amaryllis bulbs.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 8, 2023

Sharply focused and removed from natural context, botanical images of calla lilies, aloe and amaryllis are nearly abstract.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2022

We particularly love their Christmas selection where they usually have poinsettia, amaryllis, centerpieces, wreaths, DIY decorate-your-own mini tree kits, garland, and more!

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2022

Some indoor plants flower in winter, such as bright-red anthurium, sweet-smelling jasmine, durable and cheerful kalanchoe, and amaryllis bulbs.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 7, 2022

Stargazer lilies, irises, parrot tulips, tuberoses, sweet williams, columbines, amaryllis...

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen