any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
"The gardener carefully transplanted the ornamental lily, admiring its large, drooping blooms that hung gracefully from tall green stems."
Any of several flowers in the genus Lilium of the family Liliaceae, which includes a great many ornamental species.
"The gardener carefully planted a vibrant red lily to add color to the front porch."
In plain English: A lily is a type of flower with big, trumpet-shaped blooms that often grow from bulbs underground.
"She planted a white lily in her garden to brighten up the porch."
Usage: Use this word to refer specifically to plants from the Lilium genus or as a poetic metaphor for purity and beauty. Avoid using it in casual conversation when referring to people, especially given its historical use as an offensive racial slur.
White (as a racial epithet).
"The term was used as a derogatory slur to describe white people."
"The lily white petals stood out against the dark green leaves."
A female given name from English. Popular around 1900 and currently returning to favor.
"Many parents are now choosing Lily as a popular baby name that harks back to its peak in popularity around 1900."
The word "lily" comes from the Latin lilia, which was borrowed into Middle and then Old English with little change in form or meaning. It originally referred to the flower itself, traveling directly from Ancient Greek through Latin before entering the English language.