Star of Bethlehem

¹

noun

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

star-of-Bethlehem

²

[stahr-uhv-beth-lee-uhm, -li-hem]

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.

star-of-Bethlehem

¹

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

Star of Bethlehem

²

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Star of Bethlehem¹

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.

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

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

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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.

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"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.

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