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Glite Dictionary
meadow lily

meadow lily

5.5
A wild flower that grows in meadows and open woods and has hanging yellow or red blooms with brown spots
  • noun
  • /ˈmɛdoʊ ˈlɪli/
  • US
translation icon : lirio de los prados
  • The meadow lily blooms in early summer, brightening the fields with its vibrant colors.

Examples

  • We spotted a group of meadow lilies near the edge of the forest during our hike.

  • Botanists consider the meadow lily an important native species in eastern North America.

  • The meadow lily blooms in late spring.

  • Have you seen a meadow lily before?

  • The meadow lily grows in sunny areas, adding beauty to the landscape with its yellow flowers.

  • During our walk, we came across a patch of meadow lilies swaying gently in the breeze.

  • The meadow lily, known for its striking flowers, attracts many pollinators in the summertime.

Synonyms

Lilium canadense
vsmeadow lily
  • Specialized
9.9

A wild lily from the eastern United States with hanging yellow or reddish spotted flowers

is the common name focusing on meadow habitat rather than the formal name
Canada lily
vsmeadow lily
  • US
8.2

A tall wildflower with nodding yellow or reddish flowers spotted with brown

is the habitat-based common name rather than a regional label
wild meadow lily
vsmeadow lily
  • US
8.1

A plant from eastern North America with hanging yellow or red flowers spotted with brown

is the broader species name used also for non-wild populations
wild yellow lily
vsmeadow lily
  • US
4.9

A common wild flower with nodding yellow or red petals spotted with brown

focuses on habitat and species identity rather than just color

Surface Forms

meadow lily singular
meadow lilies plural

Morphology

meadow + lily

The phrase 'meadow lily' is a straightforward noun–noun compound denoting a lily that grows in or is associated with meadows; the meaning is directly built from 'meadow' (grassy land) + 'lily' (ornamental plant). This compositional pattern is common and predictable in English (and similar in many languages), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

The name meadow lily comes from a simple picture: a lily that grows in a meadow. That is why the name means a type of flower you often find in open fields and woods in eastern North America.