Lily
/ˈlɪli/
nounA2
Definition
A lily is a kind of flower that grows from a bulb under the ground. It usually has big, smooth petals that can be white, pink, orange, or other colors. Lilies are often used in gardens and decorations because they look nice and smell good.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
A type of flowering plant with large petals
- •The garden is full of colorful lilies in spring.
- •She gave me a bouquet of white lilies for my birthday.
- •Lilies often bloom in summer and have a strong, sweet smell.
Sometimes used as a girl's name
- •Lily is a popular name for girls in many countries.
- •The character Lily in the story is kind and gentle.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'lily' like 'flower' (A1 word), but a special kind with large and smooth petals that look like cups or stars
- ✓Picture a white flower with six big petals, standing tall on a green stem in a garden
- ✓It's the feeling of calm and beauty you get when you see a clean, fresh flower in a vase
- ✓Sounds like 'LIL-ee' → imagine a little girl named Lily holding a bright flower in her hand
- ✓In stories, lilies often show purity or peace, like in fairy tales or wedding decorations
- ✓NOT like 'rose' (which has many small petals and thorns), lilies have fewer, bigger petals and no thorns
- ✓NOT like 'daisy' (small, simple petals), lilies look more elegant and are bigger
Try Other Words
- •Flower: any plant with petals (Use when you want to speak generally, not about a specific type)
- •Tulip: a flower with cup-shaped petals (Use when the flower is similar but different in shape and color)
- •Rose: a flower with many small petals and thorns (Use when describing a romantic or classic flower)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'lily' is a simple root word with no prefix or suffix
- •Etymology: Comes from Old English 'lilie,' from Latin 'lilium,' meaning the same flower
- •Historical development: The word has been used for centuries to describe this flower known for beauty and purity
- •Modern usage: Used to name the flower and also as a common female name inspired by the flower's beauty
Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think lilies are often used in weddings and special ceremonies?
•How does the image of a lily flower help you feel calm or peaceful?
Fill in the blanks
1.The garden was full of ___ lilies that smelled very sweet and fresh.
2.People often give lilies as a gift to show ___ or respect.
3.Lilies are different from roses because they do not have ___ on their stems.
4.When someone says "Lily," they might mean the flower or a ___.
5.The white color of lilies often means ___ or purity in many cultures.
6.Lilies usually bloom in ___ or summer when the weather is warm.
7.A bouquet with lilies usually looks ___ and elegant because of the big petals.