dahlia

noun

dahl·​ia ˈdal-yə How to pronounce dahlia (audio) ˈdäl- How to pronounce dahlia (audio)
US also and British usually ˈdāl-
: any of a genus (Dahlia) of American tuberous-rooted composite herbs having opposite pinnate leaves and rayed flower heads and including many that are cultivated as ornamentals

Examples of dahlia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Black dahlias are thought not to always represent a high anthocyanin concentration — although this is sometimes the case — but are more likely the result of a virus that prevents expression of conventional flower colors. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026 But depending on the color, like peonies and dahlias, tulips can also symbolize deep or perfect love, or sometimes happiness and optimism. Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2026 Growing nasturtiums next to dahlias will keep this insect at bay. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026 Where dahlias and zinnias offer structure and bold blooms, cosmos add airy elegance to any garden or cut flower arrangement. Cori Sears, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dahlia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Anders Dahl †1789 Swedish botanist

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dahlia was in 1835

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Cite this Entry

“Dahlia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dahlia. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

dahlia

noun
dahl·​ia ˈdal-yə How to pronounce dahlia (audio) ˈdäl- How to pronounce dahlia (audio)
: any of a genus of American herbs related to the daisies and having brightly colored flower heads and a root that is a tuber

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