edelweiss

noun

edel·​weiss ˈā-dᵊl-ˌvīs How to pronounce edelweiss (audio)
-ˌwīs
: a small alpine perennial composite herb (Leontopodium alpinum) of central and southeast Europe that has a dense woolly white pubescence

Illustration of edelweiss

Illustration of edelweiss

Examples of edelweiss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Made with edelweiss extract, a blend of antioxidants, and vitamin B5, the oil-free moisturizer works to nourish, protect, and soothe all while strengthening the skin’s barrier and providing 24 hours of hydration. Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 7 Feb. 2024 The formula also includes edelweiss flower, which is rich in antioxidants and can protect hair against environmental aggressors. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2024 The edelweiss extract acts in a palliative capacity (read: no stinging), and kombucha helps produce the most noticeable immediate effect: a more radiant-looking face. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2024 The film's soaring tunes painted idyllic images of Alpine hills flowering with snow-white edelweiss against a backdrop of the terrifying darkness of Nazism. Kerry J. Byrne, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2023 The plot: a corpse is found, tied up, with an edelweiss in its mouth. Trinidad Barleycorn, Variety, 9 Sep. 2022 Our wish was to extract the stem cell of the edelweiss since this rare flower is the main ingredient in all of our products. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2021 Remember as a kid the white blooms of clover dotting the lawn in spring like edelweiss in an alpine meadow? Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 May 2020 French classic Piz Buin Mountain Sun Cream incorporates edelweiss to guard against the wind while Bare Republic’s mineral sunscreen sticks come in bright shades. Kari Molvar, WSJ, 5 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'edelweiss.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German, from edel noble + weiss white

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of edelweiss was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near edelweiss

Cite this Entry

“Edelweiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edelweiss. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

edelweiss

noun
edel·​weiss ˈād-ᵊl-ˌwīs How to pronounce edelweiss (audio)
: a small woolly herb that is related to the thistles and grows high in the Alps

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