Definition

Noun: 1. A plant characterized by long, sword-shaped leaves and tall, upright stalks that bear showy flowers. The flowers typically have three main petals and three often drooping, petal-like sepals. This is a broad definition for plants in the iris family (Iridaceae) with this morphology. 2. Specifically, any plant belonging to the genus Gladiolus, which are native primarily to tropical and southern Africa. These plants have sword-shaped leaves and produce spikes of brightly colored, funnel-shaped flowers arranged on one side of the stem. They are widely cultivated as ornamental garden plants and for cut flowers.

Usage and Examples

• The garden was filled with vibrant sword lilies, their tall spikes adding vertical interest to the border.
• She planted a row of sword lilies (gladioli) along the fence, and they bloomed spectacularly in mid-summer.
• The term "sword lily" is often used interchangeably with "gladiolus," though it can sometimes refer more broadly to similar irises.

Advanced Usage

• The name "sword lily" is a direct reference to the plant's morphology: "sword" for the shape of its leaves and "lily" for its showy, lily-like flowers, although it is not a true lily (Liliaceae).

Variants and Related Words

• Gladiolus (n): The formal botanical genus name and the most common synonym for sword lily.
• Gladiola (n): A common, though less botanically precise, singular form of "gladioli."
• Corn flag (n): An archaic common name for some species of gladiolus.

Synonyms

• Gladiolus
• Gladiola (common usage)
• Corn flag (archaic)

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "sword lily" has two closely related meanings: 1. A general descriptive term for irises and similar plants with sword-shaped leaves. 2. The specific common name for plants in the genus Gladiolus. In modern gardening and floral contexts, the second meaning is overwhelmingly more common.

Noun

1. plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
2. any of numerous plants of the genus Gladiolus native chiefly to tropical and South Africa having sword-shaped leaves and one-sided spikes of brightly colored funnel-shaped flowers; widely cultivated