trillium

noun

tril·​li·​um ˈtri-lē-əm 

: any of a genus (Trillium of the family Melanthiaceae) of herbs with an erect stem bearing a whorl of three leaves and a solitary typically spring-blooming flower

Illustration of trillium

Examples of trillium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Choose from 11 colors, including trillium pink, fossil brown, and oat tan. —Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2024

With three methods of reproduction, lesser celandine can spread very rapidly in areas with disturbed soils, crowding out native species like spring beauties and trilliums. —Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 30 July 2024

In spring, wildflowers, like phlox, buttercups, and trillium, come into full bloom and line the hiking trails. —Erin Gifford, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 May 2023

Overlapping state and national parks replete with coastal redwood and sequoia offer more than 38,000 acres of old growth that act as a haven for myriad wildflowers, including trillium, Douglas iris, leopard, Mariposa, and alpine lilies, snowflowers, and spotted coralroot. —Krista Simmons and J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Swedish trilling triplet; from its three leaves

First Known Use

circa 1760, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing trillium

• painted trillium

Kids Definition

trillium

noun

tril·​li·​um ˈtril-ē-əm 

: any of a genus of herbs related to the lilies that have three large leaves arranged around the upright stem at the same level and a single flower with three petals at the end of the stem

called also wake-robin