marigold

noun

mari·​gold ˈmer-ə-ˌgōld 

1

: pot marigold

2

: any of a genus (Tagetes) of composite herbs with showy usually yellow, orange, or maroon flower heads

Examples of marigold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sprinkling in patterns like dainty florals or serene colorways like marigold can give you a sense of grounding. —Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026

In late October and early November, Día de los Muertos brings colorful marigolds, ofrendas (altars) to honor the dead, parades, and special foods like pan de muerto to the city. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

Boost the chances of pollination by planting marigolds, nasturtium, or sweet alyssum along the garden’s edges to attract the pollinators that will move pollen from male to female blooms. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

The first is that marigolds can deter squash bugs, which will eat your squash plants in no time. —Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Mary, mother of Jesus + Middle English gold

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing marigold

• bur marigold
• marsh marigold
• pot marigold

Rhymes for marigold

• copyhold
• decontrolled
• hundredfold
• manifold
• oversold
• petioled
• sevenfold
• stranglehold
• subthreshold
• thousandfold
• uncontrolled
• ahold

Kids Definition

marigold

noun

mari·​gold ˈmar-ə-ˌgōld 

ˈmer-

: any of a genus of tropical American herbs related to the daisies and grown for their showy yellow or red and yellow flower heads