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

This bergamot and tangerine scent is warm and citrus-forward, with a supporting mix of dahlia, vanilla, and amber notes. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026

Striking polka dahlias with cream petals edged in cranberry and fluffy yellow centers brought bursts of color to the ballroom. — Paul Chi, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2026

Tender bulbs and tubers like dahlias, gladiolus, tuberous begonias, and cannas cannot survive Colorado winters in the ground. — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026

For its first trade show outside Japan, the brand was presenting a range of designs including cherry blossom, dahlias, tulips, lilies and orchids. — Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 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