Star of Bethlehem

¹ American  

noun

1. the star that guided the Magi to the manger of the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1–10.

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star-of-Bethlehem ² American  

[stahr-uhv-beth-lee-uhm, -li-hem] / ˈstɑr əvˈbɛθ li əm, -lɪˌhɛm /

noun

plural

stars-of-Bethlehem

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Ornithogalum, of the lily family, having grasslike leaves and clusters of white flowers.

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star-of-Bethlehem ¹ British  

noun

1. Also called: starflower.  a Eurasian liliaceous plant, Ornithogalum umbellatum , naturalized in the eastern US, having narrow leaves and starlike white flowers

2. any of several similar and related plants

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Star of Bethlehem ² British  

noun

1. the star that is supposed to have appeared above Bethlehem at the birth of Christ

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Etymology

Origin of star-of-Bethlehem

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

A mysterious celestial event known as the Star of Bethlehem — which was said to have accompanied the birth of Jesus Christ — could have been a comet because it appeared so suddenly, stayed for so long and was seen crossing the sky.

From Salon

Then came three children dressed as Joseph, Mary and the star of Bethlehem.

From New York Times

No mangers, no wise men, nary a star of Bethlehem was in sight – just a smattering of seasonal delights for the eyes.

From Salon

"The new low-reflect glazing will protect The Star of Bethlehem for the future and will make it easier for visitors to see and enjoy the picture in all its rich colour and detail. We're excited to reveal it again when the museum fully reopens," she said.

From BBC

The Star of Bethlehem had not been able to be inspected or redisplayed due to the risk of the fragile Victorian glazing shattering and causing damage.

From BBC