lily of the valley

American  

noun

plural

lilies of the valley

1. a plant, Convallaria majalis, having an elongated cluster of small, drooping, bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers.

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lily of the valley British  

noun

1. a small liliaceous plant, Convallaria majalis, of Eurasia and North America cultivated as a garden plant, having two long oval leaves and spikes of white bell-shaped flowers

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Etymology

Origin of lily of the valley

First recorded in 1555–65

Example Sentences

You can also try perennials such as the marsh marigold, Lily of the valley, astilbe, clematis, primrose, pansy and lamb’s ear.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2014

Lily of the valley bore clusters of brightest red; but the false lily of the valley in the woods had berries that were speckled with brown.

From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen

Lily of the valley: "My heart withers in secret."

From Breakfasts and Teas Novel Suggestions for Social Occasions by Pierce, Paul

Lily of the valley grows best in partial shade in some unfrequented corner.

From Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Nature Study by Ontario. Ministry of Education

Oh, he! my Lily of the valley, this is you, is it?

From The Orphans of Glen Elder by Robertson, Margaret M. (Margaret Murray)