tulip

noun

tu·​lip ˈtü-ləp 

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

By translating the contours of a tulip into concrete and steel, the tower nods to the cultural roots of its developer while adding a sculptural flourish to Miami’s evolving skyline. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

People walk along North Michigan Avenue as tulips bloom April 12, 2026, in downtown Chicago. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Choose from 20 colors and patterns, each with an elastic waistband, deep pockets, and tulip hems. — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026

At Kinyan Lam, the collection looked to tulips growing from the soil and turning toward the sky. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tulip

• cottage tulip
• Darwin tulip
• tulip poplar
• tulip tree

Kids Definition

tulip

noun

tu·​lip ˈt(y)ü-ləp 

: 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.