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

The Star of Bethlehem has now been reglazed as part of the conservation project, which the museum said had revealed the richness of Burne-Jones's colours.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2022

Both plants have similar needle-like leaves, but Star of Bethlehem doesn’t produce any garlicky or oniony smell when crushed.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 5, 2019

A slender golden pillar completes the set as the Star of Bethlehem.

From The Guardian • Dec. 20, 2012

The display created by artist church member John Zachary includes the phrase “Christ is born” and a Star of Bethlehem but no traditional manger figures.

From Washington Post • Dec. 29, 2011

We have seen the Christmas holidays of men who had hard times for the reward of their faith in the Star of Bethlehem.

From Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Ten Christmas stories by Hale, Edward E.