First Known Use: 1654
Dictionary
sub rosa
adverb sub ro·sa \ˌsəb-ˈrō-zə\
Definition of SUB ROSA
: in confidence : secretly
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SUB ROSA
New Latin, literally, under the rose; from the ancient association of the rose with secrecy
Learn More About SUB ROSA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: subrostralPrevious Word in the Dictionary: sub–rosaAll Words Near: sub rosa
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sub rosa? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).