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

In colder regions of the South (below zone 7), dig dahlia tubers in the fall and overwinter them indoors under cool, slightly damp conditions. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026

How to Plant Dahlias by Seed Growing dahlias from seed is a good way to get a head start on the growing season. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026

Pick-your-own services at Langwater include strawberries, pumpkins, raspberries, dahlias and in April, tulips. —Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 11 Apr. 2026

Dubuque, Iowa Roses, woodland wildflowers, dahlias, water and shade gardens, and hostas flourish on 52 acres in Dubuque—the largest public garden in the nation operated solely by volunteers. —Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 9 Apr. 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