fairy slipper

noun

: a bulbous bog orchid (Calypso bulbosa) of northern regions bearing a single white to purplish flower

Commonly called the fairy slipper, the small pink, purple and white blossom has a large, speckled lower lip (the slipper). Look for splashes of pink in sheltered areas on the forest floor—at times the orchids look like small pink pearls on an ocean of drab browns and greens.

—John D. Carr, The Sunday Oregonian (Portland, Oregon), 12 Apr. 2009

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!