gillyflower

noun

gil·​ly·​flow·​er ˈji-lē-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce gillyflower (audio)

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from Middle English gilofre clove, from Anglo-French, alteration of Old French girofle, from Latin caryophyllum, from Greek karyophyllon, from karyon nut + phyllon leaf — more at careen, blade

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gillyflower was in 1551

Dictionary Entries Near gillyflower

Cite this Entry

“Gillyflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gillyflower. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on gillyflower

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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