angel's-trumpet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (botany/horticulture), literary, semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “angel's-trumpet” mean?
A large flowering plant (genus Brugmansia or Datura) with large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that hang downward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large flowering plant (genus Brugmansia or Datura) with large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that hang downward.
Often refers to a specific species like Brugmansia suaveolens. The term is also used metaphorically in literature or art to evoke beauty, danger (as the plant is toxic), or a beckoning call.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in referent. Spelling and hyphenation are variable in both regions. The term is equally understood in gardening contexts.
Connotations
Same in both varieties: ornamental beauty, toxicity, exoticism.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse but standard within gardening, botanical, and certain literary contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “angel's-trumpet” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] angel's-trumpet [VERBed] in the garden.They have/have planted/grow an angel's-trumpet.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angel's-trumpet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as a standard adjective. 'Angel's-trumpet-like' might be coined.
American English
- Not used as a standard adjective. 'Angel's-trumpet-shaped' is possible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botanical papers, horticultural studies, and phytochemistry (due to its alkaloids).
Everyday
Used by gardeners, in garden centres, and in casual descriptions of gardens.
Technical
Standard common name in botany and horticulture; precise genus/species must be specified for accuracy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “angel's-trumpet”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angel's-trumpet”
- Misspelling as 'angels trumpet' (missing apostrophe/hyphen).
- Confusing it with 'morning glory' or other trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Assuming it is safe because it's beautiful (it is highly toxic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are related but different. 'Angel's-trumpet' typically refers to Brugmansia (pendulous flowers), while 'devil's trumpet' often refers to Datura (flowers that point upward).
In temperate climates, it is often grown in pots and brought indoors in winter, as it is not frost-hardy. It requires ample light.
The name derives from the large, trumpet-shaped, and often white or pale flowers that hang down, reminiscent of a trumpet an angel might hold.
Not typically illegal to grow as an ornamental plant, but its cultivation or consumption may be regulated in some areas due to its potent psychoactive and toxic alkaloids. Always check local regulations.
A large flowering plant (genus Brugmansia or Datura) with large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that hang downward.
Angel's-trumpet is usually technical (botany/horticulture), literary, semi-formal in register.
Angel's-trumpet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeɪn.dʒəlz ˌtrʌm.pɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈeɪn.dʒəlz ˌtrʌm.pɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly from the plant name. Metaphorical: 'a siren call like an angel's-trumpet' (literary).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an angel playing a huge, downward-hanging trumpet that is actually a beautiful, fragrant flower.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEAUTY IS A SONG/INSTRUMENT, DANGER IS DECEPTIVELY BEAUTIFUL, ATTRACTION IS A SUMMONS.
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary reason for caution with angel's-trumpet?