candytuft

noun

can·​dy·​tuft ˈkan-dē-ˌtəft How to pronounce candytuft (audio)
: any of a genus (Iberis) of plants of the mustard family cultivated for their white, pink, or purple flowers

Word History

Etymology

Candy, alteration of Candia Crete, Greek island + English tuft

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of candytuft was in 1629

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Cite this Entry

“Candytuft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candytuft. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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