Lilies or Lillies: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: When choosing between lilies or lillies, the correct spelling is lilies. The version with two Ls in the middle is a common misspelling. This guide clarifies the proper form, explains why the error occurs, and provides examples of correct usage in sentences to help you write confidently without making mistakes.
The Short Answer
People often confuse them because the double L sound is common in English, but the root word lily adds an I before the S ending, creating a unique pattern that differs from other flower names.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| lilies | Correct | Always use this for the flower |
| lillies | Incorrect | Avoid this form entirely |
| noun | Plural | Use for more than one flower |
| noun | Singular | Use lily for just one flower |
Correct Example Sentences
- The garden is full of white lilies.
- She sent a box of red lilies.
- These lilies smell wonderful in the vase.
- We planted lilies in the front yard.
- Cut lilies look elegant on the table.
- The lilies bloomed early this spring.
- He bought a bouquet of yellow lilies.
- Lilies are symbols of the East.
- The artist painted pink lilies.
- Don't forget to water the lilies.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- I love those beautiful lillies.
- I love those beautiful lilies.
- We need to buy more lillies for the party.
- We need to buy more lilies for the party.
- The lillies in the vase are wilting.
- The lilies in the vase are wilting.
- She planted lillies all around the house.
- She planted lilies all around the house.
- Those lillies make a great gift.
- Those lilies make a great gift.
- The lillies have a strong scent.
- The lilies have a strong scent.
A Quick Test You Can Use
To check if you have the right word, imagine placing the flower in a vase or describing its bloom; if you are describing the plant itself, you must use the spelling with one L between the I and the S, ensuring the root word remains intact without extra letters that do not belong in the standard dictionary form.
Related Word Pairs
- cinnamon vs cinammon
- Use cinnamon; the double M is correct.
- cherry vs cherrry
- Use cherry; only one R before the Y.
- almond vs almmond
- Use almond; keep the single M.
- lemon vs lemmon
- Use lemon; do not add an extra M.
- tomato vs tomahto
- Use tomato; the correct spelling has two Os.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people write lillies instead of lilies?
The confusion stems from the pronunciation of the word, which sounds like it should have a double L, but the actual spelling follows the root word lily, adding an S without doubling the consonant to match the sound pattern.
Is lillies ever accepted in formal writing?
No, lillies is never accepted in formal writing or standard English dictionaries, as it is considered a clear error that deviates from the established spelling of the flower name.
What is the singular form of lilies?
The singular form is lily, which refers to one individual flower, while lilies is the correct plural form used when referring to multiple flowers or the group as a whole.
Are there any other flowers with similar spelling issues?
Yes, flowers like daisy and tulip do not have double consonants in their standard spelling, but some varieties of names might confuse writers if they pronounce them with a doubled sound, though most common flower names are straightforward.
