Daphne

[ daf-nee ]

noun

Classical Mythology. a nymph who, when pursued by Apollo, was saved by being changed into a laurel tree.
(lowercase)Botany. any Eurasian shrub belonging to the genus Daphne, certain species of which, as D. mezereum, are cultivated for their fragrant flowers.

a female given name.

Origin of Daphne

<Latin Daphnē<Greek dáphnē laurel

Words Nearby Daphne

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

How to use Daphne in a sentence

As Daphne becomes part of this world, she is hiding a secret about her family that could prove unsettling to her new circle.
‘A Recipe for Daphne’ is a delicious debut | Vanessa Larson | February 5, 2021 | Washington Post
Daphne, Martin’s physical therapist, completes the household.
If your spirits need a boost, watch ‘Frasier’ | Kathi Wolfe | August 13, 2020 | Washington Blade
D.S.S.: I was certainly first inspired by both Daphne Araujo and Francoise Peschon when I worked at Araujo in 2001.
Yes, Women Can Make Great Wine | Jordan Salcito | March 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
International museums are interested in exhibiting her work; Lady Gaga, Daphne Guinness, and Bjork have worn her pieces.
The New Queens of Haute Couture | Sarah Moroz | January 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
I think viewers assumed Daphne was a virgin because she was a ‘good girl’; a straight-A student, etc.
Television’s 20-Something Female Virgins: ‘Girls,’ ‘Grey’s,’ and ‘Underemployed’ | Whitney Friedlander | November 27, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

Starring socialite Daphne Guinness, the film won four awards at the La Jolla Film Festival this fall.
Shooting the Stars With Fashion Photographers Markus and Indrani | Abigail Pesta | November 25, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Daphne Merkin on the tempestuous, glamorous love affair—and the surprisingly literary side of Burton.
Richard Burton’s Diaries Reveal His Mad Love for Elizabeth Taylor | Daphne Merkin | November 3, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
He drew his chair back from Daphne's; he tried once or twice to stop or argue with her, and finally he rose abruptly.
Marriage la mode | Mrs. Humphry Ward
Daphne, perceiving them sideways in a mirror to her right, could not repress a gesture and muttered sound of annoyance.
Marriage la mode | Mrs. Humphry Ward
Daphne's "simplicity," the pose of her girlhood, was in fact breaking down in all directions.
Marriage la mode | Mrs. Humphry Ward
Daphne's pink-and-black vivacity beside her seemed a pinchbeck thing.
Marriage la mode | Mrs. Humphry Ward
But in the dead of night Daphne sat up in bed, looking at the face and head of her husband beside her on the pillow.
Marriage la mode | Mrs. Humphry Ward

British Dictionary definitions for daphne (1 of 2)

daphne

/ (ˈdæfnɪ) /

noun

any shrub of the Eurasian thymelaeaceous genus Daphne, such as the mezereon and spurge laurel: ornamentals with shiny evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers: See also laurel (def. 4)

Origin of daphne

via Latin from Greek: laurel

British Dictionary definitions for Daphne (2 of 2)

Daphne

/ (ˈdæfnɪ) /

noun

Greek myth a nymph who was saved from the amorous attentions of Apollo by being changed into a laurel tree

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

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