tiger lily

American  

noun

1. a lily, Lilium lancifolium (ortigrinum ), having dull-orange flowers spotted with black and small bulbs or bulbils in the axils of the leaves.

2. any lily, especially L. pardalinum, of similar coloration.

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tiger lily British  

noun

1. a lily plant, Lilium tigrinum, of China and Japan, cultivated for its flowers, which have black-spotted orange reflexed petals

2. any of various similar lilies

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Etymology

Origin of tiger lily

First recorded in 1815–25

Compare meaning

How does tiger-lily compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• daylily vs. tiger lily

Example Sentences

It just put a daisy — and a peony and an iris and a tiger lily — in the gun barrel.

From New York Times • Sep. 22, 2017

With the emphasis on authenticity, her job was as much about sourcing — imagine finding tiger lily buds and lime leaves in the 1960s! — as the recipes themselves.

From Washington Post • Mar. 22, 2017

It’s a riot of red rose and orange tiger lily, pink lilac and white yucca, purple catnip and black-eyed Susan.

From Washington Times • Jun. 27, 2015

I remember the tiger lily cookie and, now that Peeta is talking to me again, it’s all I can do not to recount the whole story about President Snow.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

I think it had a tiger lily on it, but now it’s been reduced to crumbs in my fist.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins