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

Plants that cause deer to steer clear include boxwood, marigolds, and ornamental onions. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Sep. 2026

Repel With Scents Hornets don’t like strongly scented plants like marigolds, citronella, mint, and basil. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026

Think orange marigolds, yellow goldenrod, and deep maroon and violet mums. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026

Its scent is a warm, vibrant floral with woody elements thanks to top notes of African marigold, bergamot, buchu, and blackcurrant. — Eva Thomas, InStyle, 16 Aug. 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