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any of several bulbous plants of the genus Hippeastrum, especially H. puniceum, which has large red or pink flowers and is popular as a houseplant.
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Also called belladonna lily, naked lady. a related plant, Amaryllis belladonna, having clusters of usually rose-colored flowers.
any of several other similar or related plants.
(initial capital letter) a shepherdess or country girl, especially in classical and later pastoral poetry.
a female given name.
Historical Examples

amaryllis, smiling, moved toward the inner corridor of her house.
The City of Delight Elizabeth Miller

amaryllis Formosissima was in bloom in one week after I planted the bulb.
The Mayflower, January, 1905 Various

Tea under the cedar was over, and amaryllis could not eat even another éclair, when he had said to her, “It’s half-past five.”
Ambrotox and Limping Dick Oliver Fleming

amaryllis rose to leave them together, but her father stopped her.
Ambrotox and Limping Dick Oliver Fleming

There was malevolent and impotent silence in the andronitis of amaryllis, the Greek.
The City of Delight Elizabeth Miller

amaryllis sat upright in her chair, and drew in her breath sharply.
Ambrotox and Limping Dick Oliver Fleming

She was led into a long narrow room, showing the same simple elegance that marked all the house of amaryllis, the Greek.
The City of Delight Elizabeth Miller

For that amaryllis was in that house he had less doubt than proof.
Ambrotox and Limping Dick Oliver Fleming

This arrangement placed amaryllis rather low down—a long way from the top and fountain of honour—and highly displeased her.
Amaryllis at the Fair Richard Jefferies

amaryllis could not know that her very truculence was a fan to his flame.
Ambrotox and Limping Dick Oliver Fleming

noun
Also called belladonna lily. an amaryllidaceous plant, Amaryllis belladonna, native to southern Africa and having large lily-like reddish or white flowers
any of several related plants, esp hippeastrum
noun
(in pastoral poetry) a name for a shepherdess or country girl
n.

autumn-flowering bulbs, 1794, adopted by Linnaeus from Latin, from Greek Amaryllis, typical name of a country girl or shepherdess (in Theocritus, Virgil, Ovid, etc.).