noun a common flower in england (primula veris) having yellow blossoms and appearing in early spring. it is often cultivated in the united states.
2. cowslip ·noun in the united states, the marsh marigold (caltha palustris), appearing in wet places in early spring and often used as a pot herb. it is nearer to a buttercup than to a true cowslip. ·see ·illust. of marsh marigold.