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

The Aqua Universalis Fragrance Diffuser is fresh and floral thanks to hints of bergamot, lemon, and lily of the valley that are combined with the scent of comforting musky woods. —Felicity Carter, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Some time into this partnership, Rossellini became the spokesperson for the brand’s perfume Trésor, a warm and sensual combination of rose, lily of the valley, and lilac. —Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025

Available in rosewater and lily of the valley scents, Touchland’s Hand Sanitizer Mists are available on Amazon. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 2 Dec. 2024

Distinctly bright, the fragrance features top notes of ruby-red grapefruit and mandarin and base notes of honeysuckle and lily of the valley; you'll be obsessed. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

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