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

Also on the watch list for both yards and homes are lily of the valley, lilies, cyclamen, lantana, hosta, peony, geranium, chrysanthemum, begonia, gladiola, jade plant, snake plant, kalanchoe, hyacinth, bird of paradise and poinsettia. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Other plants that are toxic to both species include lily of the valley, cyclamen, lantana, hosta, peony, geranium, chrysanthemum, gladiola, hyacinth, kalanchoe and bird of paradise. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

For optimal growth, chrysanthemums thrive in at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and prefer fertile, well-draining soil. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026

Meanwhile, the nebula NGC 3603 looks like a chrysanthemum firework burst in bright red. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 4 July 2026

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