fleur-de-lis

/ˌflɜː də ˈliː/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌflɜːr də ˈliː/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌflər-də-ˈlē ˌflu̇r-/ (ame, mw)

fleur-de-lis — noun

1. a stylised flower shape with three pointed petals joined at the base, long used

1.名詞C2
釋義

a stylised flower shape with three pointed petals joined at the base, long used as an emblem on flags, shields, and royal coats of arms — most famously linked to the French monarchy and to the city of New Orleans.

例句

The old French royal flag carries a gold fleur-de-lis on a blue background.

the fleur-de-lis of [country / royal house]

Zayd noticed a small fleur-de-lis carved into the corner of the church door.

同義詞
  • emblem

    general word for any symbol that stands for a group; fleur-de-lis is one specific kind

  • crest

    the badge on a coat of arms; a fleur-de-lis often appears as the central crest

文法句型

the fleur-de-lis of [country/team/family]

用法筆記

Subject is usually a flag, shield, banner, fabric, or carving. The plural is normally written 'fleurs-de-lis' (also 'fleurs-de-lys'). Often appears with 'gold/golden' as the typical colour.

常見錯誤

❌The fleur-de-lis is the official flower of France.
✅The fleur-de-lis is a royal symbol of France.
💡the word names the stylised emblem, not a real flower used as a national flower.

2. a tall garden flower of the iris family, with long thin leaves shaped like a swo

2.名詞C2
釋義

a tall garden flower of the iris family, with long thin leaves shaped like a sword and large bright petals — the real plant that the heraldic shape was first drawn from.

例句

Caleb planted a row of fleur-de-lis along the back wall of his small garden.

collocation: plant / grow a fleur-de-lis

In late spring the fleur-de-lis by the pond opened into bright purple flowers.

同義詞
  • iris

    the everyday English name for the same plant; far more common in modern speech

文法句型

plant / grow / pick a fleur-de-lis

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (the heraldic emblem): this sense names the living plant in a garden or vase. Most modern English speakers say 'iris' for the plant and reserve 'fleur-de-lis' for the symbol; the plant reading is now rare.

常見錯誤

❌I picked a fleur-de-lis from the flag.
✅I picked a fleur-de-lis from the garden.
💡only the living plant can be picked; the symbol is a drawing or carving.