Primrose Meaning
/ˈpɹɪm.ɹoʊz/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA flowering plant of the genus Primula.
nounA flowering plant of the genus Primula., Specifically, the species Primula acaulis (syn. Primula vulgaris), also called common primrose.
Sentence Examples
She was as pretty as a primrose.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The low-growing ____ has a rosette of leaves and produces pale yellow flowers.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The hedgerows were dotted with pale yellow ____ flowers that signaled the arrival of spring.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English primerose, from Old French primerose, from Medieval Latin prima (“first”) + rosa (“rose”). The designation may derive from the fact that certain species of primroses are among the earliest flowers to bloom in the spring season.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A mile or so further on is the intermediate station of Ryhall, smothered with primroses in the season, and at all times a veritable flower garden."
— 1946 September and October, D. J. Rowett, “Stamford L.N.E.R.”, in Railway Magazine, page 283:
"Here is spring were celandine, marsh marigold, wind-flower, primrose, cowslip and dog's violet."
— 1977, K.M. Elizabeth Murray, Caught in the Web of Words, Oxford: Oxford University Press, page 13:
"Passenger saloons are tastefully furnished with wood veneer and partitions, mottled grey Vyanide walls, pale primrose ceilings and grey floor."
— 1961 February, “New "Mini-Buffets" from Wolverton”, in Trains Illustrated, page 79:
"Mother said, "How do you like Primrose? It sounds fresh and pretty." Milly-Molly-Mandy thought it sounded a very nice name. […] And then she decided, as the baby had come in the spring-time, it had better be Primrose."
— 1929, Joyce Lankester Brisley, chapter 8, in More of Milly-Molly-Mandy:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The low-growing ____ has a rosette of leaves and produces pale yellow flowers.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The hedgerows were dotted with pale yellow ____ flowers that signaled the arrival of spring.