bluebell

noun

blue·​bell ˈblü-ˌbel How to pronounce bluebell (audio)
1
: any of various bellflowers
especially : harebell
2
: any of various plants bearing blue bell-shaped flowers: such as
a
: a European herb (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) of the asparagus family having scapose racemes of drooping bell-shaped flowers

called also wild hyacinth

b
bluebells plural : a glabrous erect eastern U.S. herb (Mertensia virginica) of the borage family with entire leaves and showy blue flowers pink in the bud

called also Virginia bluebells

Examples of bluebell 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.
Come spring, the grounds burst with color, namely the 200-plus cherry blossom trees that bloom in April, and the lilacs, bluebells, and peonies springing to life throughout May. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025 Trips to the playground, to the woods to see bluebells, the park to see the ducks and swans. Latoya Gayle, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025 Upon arrival, visitors can head to Silver Lake to spot massive mammals including elk, mountain goats and even moose, while the area also boasts colorful plant species like the mountain bluebell and elephant’s head—and of course, the surrounding region is also home to its fair share of birds. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 In Jilly Cooper’s world, men conquer, women sigh, the sun shines perpetually on pale-gold Cotswolds mansions with bluebells in bloom, and absolutely everyone is DTF, as the parlance goes. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for bluebell

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bluebell was in 1578

Cite this Entry

“Bluebell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bluebell. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

bluebell

noun
blue·​bell ˈblü-ˌbel How to pronounce bluebell (audio)
: any of various plants (as a harebell) with blue bell-shaped flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on bluebell

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