Classical Mythology. a nymph who, when pursued by Apollo, was saved by being changed into a laurel tree.
2.
(lowercase) Botany. any Eurasian shrub belonging to the genus Daphne, certain species of which, as D. mezereum, are cultivated for their fragrant flowers.
3.
a female given name.
Origin
< LatinDaphnē < Greekdáphnē laurel
Examples from the web for Daphne
Uncle jake wants to take sabrina, Daphne, and puck out for a drive.
It starts with sabrina and Daphne learning how to be detectives.
Granny suggests that sabrina and Daphne get some wellneeded rest.
Funny and outgoing, Daphne had to get used to her older sister taking charge.
He is also quite stubborn, leading Daphne to often compare him to sabrina.
British Dictionary definitions for Daphne
daphne
/ˈdæfnɪ/
noun
1.
any shrub of the Eurasian thymelaeaceous genus Daphne, such as the mezereon and spurge laurel: ornamentals with shiny evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers See also laurel (sense 4)
Word Origin
via Latin from Greek: laurel
Daphne
/ˈdæfnɪ/
noun
1.
(Greek myth) a nymph who was saved from the amorous attentions of Apollo by being changed into a laurel tree
Word Origin and History for Daphne
fem. proper name, from Greek daphne "laurel, bay tree;" in mythology the name of a nymph, daughter of the river Peneus, metamorphosed into a laurel by Gaia to save her from being ravished as she was pursued by Apollo.