nosegay
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of nosegay
1375–1425; late Middle English: literally, a gay (obsolete, something pretty; see gay) for the nose (i.e., to smell)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ms. Zoller walked down the aisle carrying a nosegay of lily of the valley blooms, her grandmother’s favorite, from her own garden.
From New York Times ● May 27, 2022
In 1859, Nightingale wrote that when she had been ill, her recovery quickened after she received “a nosegay of wild flowers”.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 14, 2020
The tradition of carrying myrtle began after Queen Victoria was given a nosegay containing myrtle by Prince Albert's grandmother during a visit to Gotha in Germany.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2018
Dried flowers; a nosegay, a posy, a rose clipped the night before battle.
From The Verge ● Mar. 31, 2018
When they were done, Fern reluctantly contributed her two treasures to the nosegay.
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
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