dahlia

noun

dahl·​ia ˈdal-yə  ˈdäl- 

 US also and British usually  ˈdāl-

: any of a genus (Dahlia) of American tuberous-rooted composite herbs having opposite pinnate leaves and rayed flower heads and including many that are cultivated as ornamentals

Examples of dahlia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Comprising a series of terraces overlooking the sea, the gardens teem with local vegetation and geraniums, dahlias, and broom flowers. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 9 July 2024

Zones: 3-8 Dahlia One of the finest summer-blooming bulbs around, dahlias produce large, elegant flowers that are perfect for cutting. —Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2024

The garden is traversed via a network of pathways, meticulously plotted by Holcomb, that connect the pool to a cutting garden of roses and dahlias, vegetable and herb beds, and a chicken coop. —Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2024

Fuming thoughts fueled her across the stranger’s yard, toward the tall red dahlias. —Nicolette Polek, Harper's Magazine, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Anders Dahl †1789 Swedish botanist

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dahlia

noun

dahl·​ia ˈdal-yə  ˈdäl- 

: any of a genus of American herbs related to the daisies and having brightly colored flower heads and a root that is a tuber