daffodil

American  

[daf-uh-dil] / ˈdæf ə dɪl /

noun

1. a bulbous plant, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, of the amaryllis family, having solitary, yellow, nodding flowers that bloom in the spring.

2. (formerly) any plant of the genus Narcissus.

3. clear yellow; canary.

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adjective

1. of the color daffodil.

daffodil British  

/ ˈdæfədɪl /

noun

1. Also called: Lent lily.  a widely cultivated Eurasian amaryllidaceous plant, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, having spring-blooming yellow flowers

2. any other plant of the genus Narcissus

3. 1. a brilliant yellow colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      daffodil paint

4. a daffodil, or a representation of one, as a national emblem of Wales

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Etymology

Origin of daffodil

1530–40; unexplained variant of Middle English affodile < Vulgar Latin affodillus, variant of asphodelus < Greek asphódelos asphodel

Example Sentences

In Africa’s Lake Tanganyika, fish called daffodil cichlids also work together to raise their young.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

The daffodil is one of many bred by the local plant breeder, Noel Burr, but has not been seen for at least 20 years.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2025

Twin Peaks, a tiny town near Lake Arrowhead, has planted thousands of daffodil bulbs as part of the Julie Greer Daffodil Project.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2025

Despite never entering a competition before, Kazzy scooped the top prize of daffodil earrings, later writing to the promoter to say she felt she was "meant to win".

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2024

The hot, bright yolk was like a summer sun breaking through cloud, the first daffodil in the snow, a gold sovereign wrapped in a white silk handkerchief.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• dictum
• epigram
• maxim
• witticism