fleur-de-lis

noun

variants or less commonly fleur-de-lys
plural fleurs-de-lis or fleur-de-lis also fleurs-de-lys or fleur-de-lys ˌflər-də-ˈlē(z) How to pronounce fleur-de-lis (audio)
ˌflu̇r-
1
2
: a conventionalized iris in artistic design and heraldry

Illustration of fleur-de-lis

Illustration of fleur-de-lis
  • fleur-de-lis 2

Examples of fleur-de-lis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The sleeveless dress featured a bevy of intricate embellishments, most prominently the glittering fleur-de-lis on the bodice of the piece, designed with beading and embroidery. Julia Teti, WWD, 30 July 2024 The Spanish royal fashioned a sleeveless midi dress with intricate embroidery and beading, creating the stunning fleur-de-lis on the bodice of the dress. Julia Teti, WWD, 25 July 2024 Attention to detail starts outside the home, where golden fleur-de-lis accent the wrought iron fencing and a graphic black-and-white tile design greets you at the entrance, alongside a door knob display that features a Gothic Revival-like engraving. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024 The Andover Mills Kizer Hanging Porch Swing features a simple and elegant design but stands out for its striking fleur-de-lis shape on the seat back. Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 At its head, wallpaper with a gray, black and white modified fleur-de-lis pattern balances out the room. Maria L. La Ganga, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 The Nordiques wore their politics on their sleeves, literally, putting the Quebec flag’s fleur-de-lis on their uniforms. Norimitsu Onishi, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2024 The truly maximalist interior style mixed a variety of colors and patterns, including intricate William Morris designs, traditional damasks and fleur-de-lis, vibrant jewel tones, and rich woods. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023 The piece features festoon and fleur-de-lis patterns, and it can also be worn as a necklace. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 18 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fleur-de-lis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flourdelis, from Anglo-French flur de lis, literally, lily flower

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fleur-de-lis was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fleur-de-lis

Cite this Entry

“Fleur-de-lis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fleur-de-lis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fleur-de-lis

noun
variants or fleur-de-lys
ˌflərd-ᵊl-ˈē,
ˌflu̇rd-
plural fleurs-de-lis or fleur-de-lis or fleurs-de-lys or fleur-de-lys
ˌflərd-ᵊl-ˈē(z),
ˌflu̇rd-
1
2
: a simple drawing of an iris used in art and heraldry
Etymology

Middle English flourdelis "fleur-de-lis," from early French flur de lis, literally, "flower of the lily"

More from Merriam-Webster on fleur-de-lis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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