Johnny-jump-up

[ jon-ee-juhmp-uhp ]
/ ˈdʒɒn iˈdʒʌmpˌʌp /

noun

any of certain violets, especially Viola pedunculata, having variously colored flowers.
a small form of the pansy, V. tricolor.

Origin of Johnny-jump-up

1835–45, Americanism; so called from its rapid rate of growth; see Johnny

Example sentences from the Web for johnny-jump-up

  • But Johnny-jump-up suits 'em best, for it kind o' tells how they come up in the spring.

    Aunt Jane of Kentucky |Eliza Calvert Hall

British Dictionary definitions for johnny-jump-up

Johnny-jump-up

noun

US and Canadian any of several violaceous plants, esp the wild pansy

Word Origin for Johnny-jump-up

C19: so called from its quick growth