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

Imagine darling dahlias in moody chocolate hues, or rows of multicolor Florentine flowers; or creamy watercolor butterflies and florals. — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

The peonies had a glorious two-week flash in late spring; dahlias are on deck for late summer, ready to churn out rounds of dinner-plate-size blooms. — Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026

Unstoppable Flowers For annual flower power that seems nonstop, dahlias, cosmos, marigolds, and zinnias pump out flowers until frost with regular deadheading. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026

Deadheading dahlias is a great way to enhance the plant’s health and encourage new blooms. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 30 July 2026

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