tulip

noun

tu·​lip ˈtü-ləp How to pronounce tulip (audio)
ˈtyü-
: any of a genus (Tulipa) of Eurasian bulbous herbs of the lily family that have linear or broadly lanceolate leaves and are widely grown for their showy flowers
also : the flower or bulb of a tulip

Examples of tulip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How to Deadhead Long-Stem Flowers on Tall Stalks These include daylilies, larkspur, foxgloves, hostas, tulips, daffodils, Oriental poppies, peonies, and irises. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026 Upstairs, one bedroom is papered in a pretty Molly Mahon print, the other—tucked under the thatch—is simpler, with creamy tones and an antique tulip-motif kilim. — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026 The two figures, dressed in Delft blue and white costumes and each clutching a tulip, leaned toward one another for a kiss, in the style of pottery figurines that are a staple of tourist souvenir stores throughout the Netherlands. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Amebelle Sleeveless Jumpsuit With adjustable straps, a square neckline, tulip hems, and a relaxed fit, this linen-blend jumpsuit makes an easy, breezy outfit. — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tulip

Word History

Etymology

New Latin tulipa, from Turkish tülbent turban — more at turban

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tulip was in 1578

Phrases Containing tulip

Browse Nearby Words

tuliac
tulip
Tulipa
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tulip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tulip. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tulip

noun
tu·​lip ˈt(y)ü-ləp How to pronounce tulip (audio)
: any of a genus of Eurasian herbs that grow from bulbs, have large lance-shaped leaves, are related to the lilies, and are widely grown for their showy cup-shaped flowers
also : the flower or bulb of a tulip
Etymology

from scientific Latin tulipa "the tulip," from Turkish tülbent "tulip," literally "turban"

Word Origin
We often think of the tulip as a Dutch flower. The Dutch certainly do grow many tulips, but they first got the plant from Turkey. The Turkish word for the tulip was tülbent, meaning literally "turban." Perhaps it was the flower's shape that reminded the Turks of a turban. Or perhaps it was the bright colors and velvety petals. In any case, scientists picking a universal word for the flower chose the scientific Latin tulipa, taken from the Turkish word. The word came into English from the scientific Latin and was spelled tulip.

More from Merriam-Webster on tulip

Nglish: Translation of tulip for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tulip

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