campion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Botanical
Quick answer
What does “campion” mean?
A type of wild plant, typically with white or pink flowers, often found in woods or meadows.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of wild plant, typically with white or pink flowers, often found in woods or meadows.
Any of various plants of the genus Silene or related genera (Lychnis) in the pink family (Caryophyllaceae). It is sometimes referred to as catchfly due to sticky stems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The term is equally technical and low-frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral botanical term in both. Possibly has a slightly more rustic, old-fashioned feel in UK English due to its presence in traditional flora names.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher recognition in the UK due to common species like 'red campion' (Silene dioica) being native and widespread.
Grammar
How to Use “campion” in a Sentence
The [adjective] campion [verb, e.g., grows, blooms]A species of campionCampion, a member of the pink familyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “campion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botanical and ecological papers, field guides, and biology textbooks.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by gardeners, hikers, or in nature documentaries.
Technical
Standard term in botany, horticulture, and taxonomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “campion”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “campion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “campion”
- Misspelling as 'champion'.
- Using as a common noun for any flower (e.g., 'I picked a campion' is incorrect unless you know the species).
- Pronouncing with /ʃ/ as in 'champion' (/ˈkæmpiən/, not /ˈtʃæmpiən/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different words. 'Campion' is a plant, while 'champion' is a winner or advocate.
No, it refers specifically to plants in the genera *Silene* or *Lychnis*. Using it generically would be incorrect from a botanical perspective.
Some species are grown in wildflower or cottage gardens, but it is primarily considered a wild plant, not a typical bedding plant.
Because the stems of some species are sticky (viscid), which can trap small insects—though the plant is not carnivorous.
A type of wild plant, typically with white or pink flowers, often found in woods or meadows.
Campion is usually technical/botanical in register.
Campion: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæmpiən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæmpiən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A campion is a CHAMPION wildflower: it competes well in meadows and is a champion of the countryside.
Conceptual Metaphor
None commonly associated.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'campion'?