lily of the valley

noun phrase

: a low perennial herb (Convallaria majalis) of the asparagus family that has usually two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers

Examples of lily of the valley in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Featuring addicting notes of bergamot, lychee, Turkish rose, lily of the valley and peony, this ensemble is complemented by the creamy and powdery finish of vanilla, musk and cashmere. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025

While a Southern garden needn’t have the comprehensive variety of flowers just listed to be an inviting escape, our readers were quick to point out all the brightly hued blossoms that define a Southern garden, naming rhododendrons, lily of the valley, and dahlias as well. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2025

Sometimes selling every two minutes, this deodorant features the same jasmine, lily of the valley, sandalwood, and vanilla notes as its perfume counterpart—which, while undeniably popular since its launch in 1994, doesn't fly off shelves quite as rapidly as this sweat-stopping solid. —Sarah Madaus, Allure, 4 Oct. 2024

The fragrance consists of top notes of Italian bergamot, lily of the valley and orchid flowers; middle notes of heliotrope, Moroccan jasmine, ylang ylan, and base notes of sandalwood, amber, vanilla, cedarwood, patchouli and suede accord. —Alfredo Mineo, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lily of the valley

• alley
• alli
• bally
• calli
• challis
• dally
• galley
• galli
• lally
• mallee
• mally
• rally

Kids Definition

lily of the valley

: a low herb that is related to the lilies and has usually two large oblong leaves and a stalk of fragrant flowers shaped like bells

Medical Definition

lily of the valley

noun

lily of the val·​ley ˈlil-ē-əv-t͟hə-ˈval-ē 

plural lilies of the valley

1

: an erect low-growing perennial herb of the genus Convallaria (C. majalis) that has two large oblong lanceolate leaves and a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers and is the source of convallaria, convallamarin, convallarin, and convallatoxin

2

: the dried rhizome and roots of the lily of the valley used as a cardiac tonic