Definition

Noun: 1. A type of spring-blooming bulbous plant belonging to the genus Narcissus, characterized by its typically bright yellow flowers which have a central trumpet-shaped corona (crown) surrounded by a ring of petals. 2. The flower of this plant, widely recognized as a symbol of spring. 3. A bright, cheerful yellow color, named after the flower.

Usage

The word "daffodil" is used to refer to the plant, its flower, or the associated color. It is a countable noun. * As a plant/flower: "She planted daffodils along the fence." / "I picked a daffodil." * As a color: "She wore a lovely daffodil dress."

Examples

• The garden was a sea of yellow when the daffodils bloomed in March.
• A single daffodil in a vase can brighten an entire room.
• The poet William Wordsworth famously wrote about "a host of golden daffodils."

Advanced Usage

• In symbolism: Daffodils are often used symbolically to represent rebirth, new beginnings, and hope due to their early spring appearance. They can also symbolize unrequited love or vanity, stemming from the Greek myth of Narcissus.
• Collective noun: A group of daffodils is sometimes called a "host" of daffodils, popularized by Wordsworth's poem.

Variants and Related Words

• Narcissus: The botanical genus name for daffodils. All daffodils are narcissi, but not all narcissi are called daffodils (some are called jonquils or paperwhites).
• Jonquil: A specific type of narcissus (daffodil) known for its strong fragrance and clustered blooms.
• Daffadowndilly / Daffodilly: Archaic or poetic variants of the word "daffodil."

Synonyms

• Narcissus (scientific/formal)
• Jonquil (for specific types)
• Lent lily (an old-fashioned name, as they bloom around Lent)

Idioms and Phrases

• As bright as a daffodil: Used to describe something or someone that is very cheerful, vibrant, or yellow in color.
  • Her new coat was as bright as a daffodil.

Noun

1. any of numerous varieties of Narcissus plants having showy often yellow flowers with a trumpet-shaped central crown