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

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, 29 Nov. 2024

This candle combines incense softened by the lily of the valley, resting on a base of labdanum. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

But that quality dances surprisingly well with an array of other notes, including sandalwood, cedar, lily of the valley, and tonka bean. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2024

Layering the shower gel with the body lotion and lighting the candle will fill the air with fresh and floral notes of pear, lily of the valley, iris, and white musk. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Oct. 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