What does poppy mean?
A poppy is a flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae, best known in ordinary English as the delicate red corn poppy that often appears in fields and along roadsides. Its papery petals and rounded seed capsules make it a familiar subject in gardens, painting, and literature. The word can also denote the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, whose latex contains alkaloids such as morphine and codeine and has had a major historical and cultural impact through opium production. The plural is “poppies.” Although poppies are often associated with sleep, remembrance, and the remembrance of war, those associations are cultural rather than features of the word's literal meaning. In agricultural and drug-related contexts, the term may be used more narrowly for the opium poppy, so the intended species can depend on the surrounding discussion.
nounA plant of the family Papaveraceae, especially the red-flowered corn poppy, with delicate flowers and distinctive seed capsules. The term also refers to the opium poppy, the source of opium, and to other plants resembling these species.
- Any member of the poppy family, particularly a plant with showy flowers and rounded seed capsules.
- The opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, cultivated for its latex and for the alkaloids including morphine and codeine.
- The corn poppy or field poppy, Papaver rhoeas, a common wildflower with red flowers.
"A field of poppies bloomed along the roadside in late spring."
"The gardener sowed poppies beside the kitchen garden."
"Opium poppies require careful cultivation because of their value in producing opium."
The regular plural is “poppies,” with the final y changing to “ies.”
"Bright poppies grew among the grasses."
The familiar red corn poppy gives its name to a plant whose latex has shaped the history of opium, medicine, and addiction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does poppy come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French poppe, ultimately from Latin papaver, the classical Latin word for the opium poppy. Latin papaver also gave rise to scientific forms such as the botanical family name Papaveraceae and the alkaloid-related term papaverine. The English spelling and pronunciation have remained broadly stable since the Middle English period.
How poppy is actually used
The unqualified term is commonly used for the corn poppy, while “opium poppy” specifies the species used to produce opium. In some contexts, especially discussions of drugs or agriculture, “poppy” can refer specifically to Papaver somniferum.
Easily confused with poppy
Poppy is a flowering plant, while poppycock is an old-fashioned expression meaning nonsense or rubbish.
A poppy is a herbaceous flowering plant, whereas a poplar is a tall deciduous tree.