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

The bride took floral inspiration from the lotuses found around the property Light Chamber Mitali was showered with flower petals during the haldi ceremony, when the couple is typically painted with turmeric. —Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Apr. 2024

The pond, also known as the duck pond, featured vibrant green lotus plants that bloomed in the summer. —Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 25 May 2024

Images of lotus blossoms and trippy New Age abstractions suggest the spiritual focus and expansiveness of Shorter’s music. —Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Aug. 2023

Vendors pile bushels of lotus flowers onto their three-wheeled rickshaws and motorcycles. —Chris Wallace, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024

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

Kids Definition

lotus

noun

lo·​tus ˈlōt-əs 

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