lily of the valley: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, literary, botanical
Quick answer
What does “lily of the valley” mean?
A perennial plant (Convallaria majalis) with small white bell-shaped fragrant flowers arranged in a row along a single stem, and broad leaves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perennial plant (Convallaria majalis) with small white bell-shaped fragrant flowers arranged in a row along a single stem, and broad leaves.
The flowers of this plant, often associated with purity, humility, sweetness, and the return of happiness; also a symbol used in heraldry and religious art.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Slight preference for 'May lily' as an alternative in some UK botanical contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations of purity, innocence, and spring. Strongly associated with royal occasions and bridal bouquets in the UK.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, primarily appearing in gardening, literature, and ceremonial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “lily of the valley” in a Sentence
grow [somewhere]smell like [something]symbolise [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lily of the valley” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The garden is beginning to lily-of-the-valley along the shaded border.
- It lilies-of-the-valley profusely in damp soil.
American English
- The shady patch lilies-of-the-valley every May.
- It will lily-of-the-valley if you plant the rhizomes correctly.
adverb
British English
- The flowers bloomed lily-of-the-valley white across the bank.
- It grew lily-of-the-valley fragrant in the cool shade.
American English
- The scent spread lily-of-the-valley sweet through the room.
- The border was planted lily-of-the-valley dense.
adjective
British English
- She chose a lily-of-the-valley motif for the wedding invitations.
- The perfume had a distinct lily-of-the-valley note.
American English
- They planted a lily-of-the-valley ground cover under the trees.
- Her bouquet had a lovely lily-of-the-valley scent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in floristry, perfume, or horticultural trade contexts.
Academic
Used in botanical texts, literary analysis, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Gardening discussions, descriptions of weddings or spring flowers.
Technical
Botanical classification, phytochemistry (cardiac glycosides).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lily of the valley”
- Using plural 'lilies of the valley' for a single plant (prefer 'lily of the valley plants').
- Misspelling as 'lilly of the valley'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides and are toxic if ingested by humans or pets.
It typically blooms in late spring, around April to May in the Northern Hemisphere.
While sometimes used, the plural is more correctly formed as 'lily of the valley plants' or simply 'lilies of the valley' for multiple distinct clumps or species references.
The name comes from its lily-like flowers and its typical habitat in shaded, woodland valleys. Its botanical name, Convallaria majalis, means 'of the valley' and 'of May'.
A perennial plant (Convallaria majalis) with small white bell-shaped fragrant flowers arranged in a row along a single stem, and broad leaves.
Lily of the valley is usually formal, literary, botanical in register.
Lily of the valley: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪli əv ðə ˈvæli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪli əv ðə ˈvæli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as pure as lily of the valley”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Lily + Valley: Imagine a delicate white lily growing in a peaceful, shaded valley.
Conceptual Metaphor
INNOCENCE IS A DELICATE WHITE FLOWER
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is TRUE about lily of the valley?