lotus

noun

lo·​tus ˈlō-təs 

plural lotuses also lotus

1

or less commonly lotos

ˈlō-təs 

: a fruit eaten by the lotus-eaters and considered to cause indolence and dreamy contentment

also : a tree (such as Zizyphus lotus of the buckthorn family) reputed to bear this fruit

2

: any of various water lilies including several represented in ancient Egyptian and Hindu art and religious symbolism

3

[New Latin, from Latin]

a

: any of a genus (Lotus) of widely distributed upright herbs or subshrubs of the legume family

b

: sweet clover

Illustration of lotus

• lotus 2

Examples of lotus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Thailand, the main symbol of Thai Buddhism is the lotus, and there are three. —Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025

Select from among hardy and tropical water lilies (Nymphaea) and lotus plants (Nelumbo) for a colorful, yet tranquil addition to your backyard space. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025

Under the writings are pools with floating lotus flowers, inspired by the designs of Bruni, where visitors can light candles and leave messages of peace. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025

Hardy water lilies are the most cold-tolerant, although tropical lotus is considerably cold-tolerant as well. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin & Greek; Latin lotus, from Greek lōtos

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing lotus

• lotus-eater
• lotus position

Rhymes for lotus

• motus
• notice
• haliotis
• melilotus
• microtus
• myotis

Kids Definition

lotus

noun

lo·​tus ˈlōt-əs 

: any of various water lilies including several represented in ancient Egyptian and Hindu art