fleur-de-lis

noun

ˌflər-də-ˈlē How to pronounce fleur-de-lis (audio)
ˌflu̇r-
variants or less commonly fleur-de-lys
plural fleurs-de-lis or fleur-de-lis also fleurs-de-lys or fleur-de-lys ˌflər-də-ˈlē(z) How to pronounce fleur-de-lis (audio)
ˌflu̇r-
1
: iris sense 2
2
: a conventionalized iris in artistic design and heraldry

Illustration of fleur-de-lis

Illustration of fleur-de-lis
  • fleur-de-lis 2

Examples of fleur-de-lis 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.
Structures can take the shape of anything from reindeer and frogs to crawfish and fleur-de-lis. — Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025 Maple syrup is as representative of the province as the fleur-de-lis. — Pamela MacNaughtan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Nov. 2025 The first time, their ears were cut off and one shoulder was branded with a fleur-de-lis — the symbol of the French crown. — ABC News, 28 May 2026 But the real source of pride for some may have been the fountain's ability to make the shape of a fleur-de-lis, a symbol synonymous with Louisville. — Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 12 July 2025 The fleur-de-lis has long been associated with the French royalty, its origins going back almost 1,000 years. — Ben Morse, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025 The Saints wear a fleur-de-lis on their helmets, paying tribute to the New Orleans' long connection to France and French culture. — David K. Li, NBC news, 2 Feb. 2026 Crafted from ivory silk and woven with motifs including fleur-de-lis and wheat ears—symbolic references to royal lineage and prosperity—the design reflected both Spanish heritage and royal tradition. — Eloise Moran, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026 Another version of Hôtel Balzac occupied this space before the current one, but word on the street is that the former venue—with heavy curtains, decadent fleur-de-lis bed spreads, and a real King Louis XIV aesthetic—was due for a makeover. — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English flourdelis, from Anglo-French flur de lis, literally, lily flower

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fleur-de-lis was in the 14th century

Rhymes for fleur-de-lis

See All Rhymes for fleur-de-lis

Browse Nearby Words

fleur de coin
fleur-de-lis
fleurdelisé
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fleur-de-lis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fleur-de-lis. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fleur-de-lis

noun
variants or fleur-de-lys
ˌflərd-ᵊl-ˈē, 
ˌflu̇rd-
plural fleurs-de-lis or fleur-de-lis or fleurs-de-lys or fleur-de-lys
ˌflərd-ᵊl-ˈē(z), 
ˌflu̇rd-
1
: iris sense 2
2
: a simple drawing of an iris used in art and heraldry
Etymology

Middle English flourdelis "fleur-de-lis," from early French flur de lis, literally, "flower of the lily"

More from Merriam-Webster on fleur-de-lis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fleur-de-lis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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