carnation

noun

car·​na·​tion kär-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a plant of any of numerous often cultivated and usually double-flowered varieties or subspecies of an Old World pink (Dianthus caryophyllus) found in many color variations

2

: a moderate red

3

archaic : the variable color of human flesh

Examples of carnation in a Sentence

The groom wore a carnation in his buttonhole.

Recent Examples on the Web

Anna also began the tradition of using white carnations to celebrate mothers. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

The adobe floors, crackling fireplace, and cozy velvet couches set a comforting scene, while glass vases of fresh red and yellow carnations brighten the space. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025

The actress paired the look with black tights, white ankle socks and statement heels, which featured 3-D red, white and yellow carnation designs. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 6 May 2025

Keeping with historical accuracy, most of the flowers were roses and carnations, and mostly white. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old Italian carnagione, from carne flesh, from Latin carn-, caro

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for carnation

• ablation
• bination
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation
• conflation

Kids Definition

carnation

noun

car·​na·​tion kär-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a moderate red

2

: any of the numerous cultivated herbs of the genus of pinks with reddish, pink, yellow, or white usually double flowers