water lily

noun

: any of various aquatic plants (especially genera Nymphaea and Nuphar of the family Nymphaeaceae, the water-lily family) with floating leaves and usually showy flowers
broadly : an aquatic plant (such as a water hyacinth) with showy flowers

Examples of water lily in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here, pink river dolphins leap through blackwater tributaries, howler monkeys roar from the canopy, and giant water lilies unfurl like floating dinner plates beneath the jungle’s cathedral-like trees. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 Her preferred method for algae control is using water lily leaves and other plants to block photosynthesis. 5. Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 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 Between all the water lilies, Monet painted grapes and galettes. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for water lily

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of water lily was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Water lily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20lily. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

water lily

noun
: any of a family of water plants with rounded floating leaves and usually showy flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on water lily

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!