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

Each wreath is rounded out by green leaves, berries, and chrysanthemums. —Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024

On Monday, one specialist, José Rodríguez, found a tiny pest, not much bigger than a speck of dirt, in a bunch of chrysanthemums. —Patricia Mazzei Scott McIntyre, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024

This particular bunch is made up of roses, chrysanthemums, and carnations. —Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2024

Many of you are also enjoying potted chrysanthemums, purchased in full bloom this month. —Nancy Brachey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024

Van Houtte—in Chloé sneakers, soft black pants, and a long black coat embroidered with frangipani and chrysanthemums—founded the company in 2016. —Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2023

Bouquets of purple and pink chrysanthemums and blue crosses decorated the grounds. —Alexandra E. Petri, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2023

Around him, mourners stood in the bitter morning cold holding bouquets of white and yellow chrysanthemums, next to marble portraits of the victims. —Constant Méheut, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023

There are dozens of gorgeous varieties of chrysanthemums, each with its unique beauty. —Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2023

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