Irises are beautiful flowering plants that are commonly used for ornamental purposes. These plants are known for their large, showy, and colorful flowers that come in a variety of shades such as blue, purple, yellow, pink, and white. Synonyms for the word "irises" include flag, fleur-de-lis, sword lily, blue flag, and yellow flag. The word "flag" comes from the old Norse word "flaga," which means "reed or rush." The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily that was used as a symbol of royalty in France. The sword lily got its name from the shape of its leaves, which resembles a sword. Regardless of the synonym used, irises are timeless and will always be cherished for their beauty and elegance.