snowdrop

[ snoh-drop ]

/ ˈsnoʊˌdrɒp /

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noun

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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of snowdrop

First recorded in 1655–65; snow + drop

Words nearby snowdrop

snow day, snow devil, Snowdon, Snowdonia, snowdrift, snowdrop, snowdrop tree, snowed, snowfall, snow fence, snowfield

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

MORE ABOUT SNOWDROP

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.

Where does snowdrop come from?

The first records of the word snowdrop come from the mid-1600s. The combination of the words snow and drop is a reference to the flower’s appearance. Snowdrops droop down from their stems.

Snowdrops are perennial plants that begin to sprout in the late winter to early spring. The snowdrop is native to Europe and Southeast Asia.

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What are some words that share a root or word element with snowdrop?

snow
drop

What are some words that often get used in discussing snowdrop?

How is snowdrop used in real life?

Snowdrops are known for their use in bouquets and in gardens.

Beautiful carpet of snowdrops now appearing in Old Rashee Cemetery. This little flower looks like it's head is bowed praying. How very poignant 😔 @ANBorough #graveyards #flowers #SNOWDROP pic.twitter.com/Nd8vA0jodf

— Donna J (@DonnaHog1707) January 30, 2021

The snowdrop is a #birth #flower of January. An old poem tells that when Kenna, the #fairy king's daughter, poured the juice of the magical herb 'Moly' over her lover's lifeless body, he was transformed into a snowdrop. Evermore he returns to her each new year. #FolkloreThursday pic.twitter.com/AtABgWlv0I

— VenetiaJane's Garden (@VenetiaJane) January 7, 2021

January's flowers of the month are Carnations and Snowdrops! Carnations symbolizing deep love and affection, while Snowdrop symbolizes hope and rebirth. Both symbolize purity! pic.twitter.com/19RUkECsR8

— Shaymin Propaganda (@MythicShaymin) January 6, 2020

Try using snowdrop!

True or False?

Snowdrop flowers are turned upwards.

How to use snowdrop in a sentence

But there were also plenty of moments when they looked like a snowdrop.
The Brontës, Ruth Rendell, and This Week’s Hot Reads: August 19, 2012|Jimmy So|August 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The few who caught a glimpse of her in the white muslin dress “thought she looked like a snowdrop,” Barker notes.
The Brontës, Ruth Rendell, and This Week’s Hot Reads: August 19, 2012|Jimmy So|August 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Is it the hero's fault if self and snowdrop-singing poetasters cannot see this feat with the eyes of Camoens?
It Is Never Too Late to Mend|Charles Reade
You look so cool—so fair—so like a snowdrop glittering with dew.
Ernest Linwood|Caroline Lee Hentz

Snowdrop looked out at the window, and said, 'Good day, good woman!
Grimms' Fairy Tales|The Brothers Grimm
We gave to this our untimely welcome long before the snowdrop came, and the golden name of daffodil has lost its vernal sound.
Ceres' Runaway|Alice Meynell
The snowdrop may very well come after the primrose in this song, which altogether ignores the process of the seasons.
Adventures in Criticism|Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch

British Dictionary definitions for snowdrop

snowdrop

/ (ˈsnəʊˌdrɒp) /

noun

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