chrysanthemum

noun

chry·​san·​the·​mum kri-ˈsan(t)-thə-məm 

also -ˈzan(t)-

1

: any of various composite plants (genus Chrysanthemum) including weeds, ornamentals grown for their brightly colored often double flower heads, and others important as sources of medicinals and insecticides

2

: a flower head of an ornamental chrysanthemum

Illustration of chrysanthemum

• chrysanthemum 2

Examples of chrysanthemum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, come back and keep scrolling for more decorative Legos, including a realistic orchid build with a near-perfect overall rating and this chrysanthemum building set that has been purchased more than 50,000 times by shoppers in the past month. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025

The design references both cultures with steely grays and blues for Chicago’s architecture and lake, and noble flowers such as plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, which show up in the form of art walls and custom cabinetry, as well as decorative accents in the bi-level spa. —Amy Tara Koch, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

Lavender and chrysanthemum plants can deter lady beetles, and a sprinkle of diatomaceous earth can dry out exoskeletons. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025

Many of the company’s pest control products are derived from the chrysanthemum flower, a natural resource that can be utilized without worrying about leaving a footprint in the soil, water, and air. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin chrȳsanthemon, chrȳsanthemum "a yellow-flowered composite plant," borrowed from Greek chrȳsánthemon "any of various plants with bright yellow flowers," from chrȳsós "gold" + ánthemon "blossom, flower" — more at chryso-, anthemion

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

chrysanthemum

noun

chry·​san·​the·​mum kris-ˈan(t)-thə-məm 

1

: any of a genus of plants that are related to the daisies and include weeds, ornamental plants grown for their brightly colored often double flower heads, and others important as sources of substances used in medicine and as insecticides

2

: a flower head of an ornamental chrysanthemum