bouncing bet

noun

variants or bouncing Bet
: a European perennial herb (Saponaria officinalis) of the pink family that is widely naturalized in the U.S. and has pink or white flowers and leaves which yield a detergent when bruised

called also soapwort

Word History

Etymology

from Bet, nickname for Elizabeth

First Known Use

circa 1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bouncing bet was circa 1818

Dictionary Entries Near bouncing bet

Cite this Entry

“Bouncing bet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bouncing%20bet. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

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