fleur-de-lis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, historical, heraldic
Quick answer
What does “fleur-de-lis” mean?
A stylised lily or iris flower used as a decorative design or heraldic symbol.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stylised lily or iris flower used as a decorative design or heraldic symbol.
The emblem is most famously associated with French monarchy and heraldry, but is also used in various contexts such as scouting, military insignia, regional flags (e.g., Quebec), and decorative arts. It can symbolise purity, light, perfection, or French heritage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is strongly associated with historical heraldry, the monarchy, and the England football team's badge (Three Lions crest includes stylised fleurs-de-lis). In the US, it is strongly associated with the state symbol of Louisiana, the city of New Orleans, and organisations like the Boy Scouts.
Connotations
UK: historical, aristocratic, heraldic. US: regional (Louisiana/Southern), organisational (scouting), decorative.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, but encountered in different cultural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “fleur-de-lis” in a Sentence
The [noun] was adorned with a fleur-de-lis.A fleur-de-lis appears on the [noun].The [noun] features the fleur-de-lis prominently.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fleur-de-lis” 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
- The fleur-de-lis motif was common in Gothic architecture.
- He wore a badge with a fleur-de-lis design.
American English
- The fleur-de-lis flag is a symbol of New Orleans.
- She bought fleur-de-lis patterned wallpaper for the den.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in branding for companies with French heritage or in Louisiana.
Academic
Used in historical, art historical, and heraldic texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be mentioned in travel contexts (New Orleans, French castles) or when discussing flags/heraldry.
Technical
Specific term in heraldry (blazonry), vexillology, and art history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fleur-de-lis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fleur-de-lis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fleur-de-lis”
- Spelling: 'fleur-de-lys' is an archaic variant. 'Fleur-de-lis' is standard.
- Pronunciation: Mispronouncing 'lis' as /lɪs/ instead of /liː/.
- Using it as a plural without an 's' (e.g., 'two fleur-de-lis' instead of 'two fleurs-de-lis').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It literally means 'flower of the lily'.
Historically, it is debated. The name says 'lily', but many scholars believe the stylised form is based on the yellow iris.
On the flag of Quebec (Canada), the coat of arms of Florence (Italy), in Scouting logos, and as a symbol for New Orleans and Louisiana.
In English, it's commonly pronounced /ˌflɜːr də ˈliː/ (flur-duh-LEE). The final 's' is silent.
A stylised lily or iris flower used as a decorative design or heraldic symbol.
Fleur-de-lis is usually formal, literary, historical, heraldic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a noun referring to a specific symbol.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'FLOWER of the LILY' -> 'Fleur-de-Lis'. It's the flower symbol on French royalty's shield.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURITY IS A LILY (The fleur-de-lis symbolises purity and light). HERITAGE IS AN EMBLEM (The symbol stands for French cultural identity).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'fleur-de-lis' a specific technical term?