What does kingcup mean?
A kingcup is a wetland flowering plant, also known as the marsh marigold, that produces large, bright yellow flowers above broad, glossy green leaves. It commonly grows in damp meadows, marshes, stream margins, and other wet ground, where its vivid colour makes it conspicuous in spring. The name “kingcup” is chiefly associated with British English, while “marsh marigold” is more widely used, especially in North America. Although the flowers resemble those of a buttercup, a kingcup is generally larger and belongs to a distinctive group of moisture-loving plants. Botanically, it is Caltha palustris, a member of the buttercup family. The word is useful for identifying a familiar and striking plant of wet landscapes, although it should not be confused with the unrelated buttercup commonly found in drier grassland.
nounA wetland plant of the buttercup family, with glossy, rounded or heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers. It is also known as the marsh marigold.
- The marsh marigold, a plant of damp ground with bright yellow flowers and broad, glossy leaves.
"Kingcups brightened the wet meadow with vivid splashes of yellow."
"A colony of kingcups grew beside the shallow stream."
"The wetland guide identified the large golden flowers as kingcups."
Used when referring to multiple plants or individual flowers of the species.
"Clusters of kingcups covered the banks of the pond."
A flash of brilliant yellow, the kingcup is among the most conspicuous flowers of damp meadows and streamsides.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kingcup come from?
The compound word “kingcup” is made up of the English words “king” and “cup.” Its precise historical formation is not fully clear, but the name has long been used in British English for the marsh marigold.
Related word forms
How kingcup is actually used
The name is chiefly used in British English; in North American English, “marsh marigold” is the usual name. The scientific name is Caltha palustris.
Easily confused with kingcup
A kingcup is a marsh plant with large yellow flowers, whereas a buttercup is a smaller plant of open grasslands and meadows.