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snowdrop

American  
[snoh-drop] / ˈsnoʊˌdrɒp /

noun

  1. any of several early-blooming bulbous plants belonging to the genus Galanthus, of the amaryllis family, native to Eurasia, especially G. nivalis, having drooping white flowers with green markings.


snowdrop British  
/ ˈsnəʊˌdrɒp /

noun

  1. any of several amaryllidaceous plants of the Eurasian genus Galanthus, esp G. nivalis, having drooping white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring

"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

Usage

What does snowdrop mean? A snowdrop is a small, fragrant, white, bell-shaped flower with green markings.The name snowdrop is also used for any plant in the genus Galanthus. The different members of the genus Galanthus vary in size. The scientific name of the common snowdrop flower is Galanthus nivalis. Snowdrops are known for blooming in early spring. They are popularly cultivated for use in bouquets.The snowdrop is one of the January birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).Example: Look at all the snowdrops blooming in the meadow.

Etymology

Origin of snowdrop

First recorded in 1655–65; snow + drop

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.

Certain species such as cow parsley, yarrow and knapweed are in fact spreading, and he welcomes an influx of non-native plants and "garden escapes", such as snowdrop and buddleia.

From BBC

Claire Michelle, a snowdrop donor, said: “A snowdrop donor is someone who donates milk after the death of their baby,” she said.

From BBC

This spring, Lady Bamford, who is the founder of Daylesford Organic, a popular British lifestyle brand, hosted various lunches with themes inspired by plants grown on the estate, like snowdrops and tulips.

From Seattle Times

A carpet of snowdrops at an estate which plays host to The Great British Bake Off's famous white tent have been gobbled up by an horde of slugs.

From BBC

After all, demure hellebores and the first early snowdrops are thrilling in their own way.

From Seattle Times