calla

American  

[kal-uh] / ˈkæl ə /

noun

1. Also called arum lily.  Also called calla lily;.  any of several plants belonging to the genus Zantedeschia, of the arum family, especially Z. aethiopica, having arrow-shaped leaves and a large white spathe enclosing a yellow spike.

2. a related plant, Calla palustris, of cold marshes of Europe and North America, having heart-shaped leaves.

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calla British  

/ ˈkælə /

noun

1. Also called: calla lily.   arum lily.  any southern African plant of the aroid genus Zantedeschia, esp Z. aethiopica, which has a white funnel-shaped spathe enclosing a yellow spadix

2. an aroid plant, Calla palustris, that grows in wet places and has a white spathe enclosing a greenish spadix, and red berries

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Etymology

Origin of calla

From New Latin (Linnaeus)

Example Sentences

In the darkness of the night air, it briefly looks as though the women carry silver calla lilies that are blooming from their palms.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

Employing geometric ruching on exaggerated shoulders, she showcased surreal tubular shapes reminiscent of the enveloping flowers of the calla lily.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 28, 2023

It looks like an oasis in the middle of the suburbs — it's the only house with massive hibiscus plants, dozens of calla lilies, and a cherry blossom tree.

From Salon • Jun. 19, 2022

“A week ago, I couldn’t have done this interview,” he said, speaking recently by Skype from his London dining room, a painting of calla lilies behind him.

From New York Times • May 26, 2020

“They’re beautiful,” I say as he offers me a small, tight nosegay of calla lilies so purple they’re almost black.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed