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

At the time, Jaden wore a tailored custom Thom Browne ensemble, including a white denim coat featuring dahlia adornments and several straps. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 6 May 2025

Consider growing summer-blooming bulbs, corms, and tubers, including agapanthus, begonias, caladiums, calla lilies, canna lilies, dahlias, daylilies, gladiolus, iris, lilies and watsonias. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025

The dahlia could even be overwintered in USDA zones 8-11, but it’s sold as an annual. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025

Neatly arrayed along the walls are new takes on the orchids, dahlia or bird of paradise flowers introduced in 2024, plus a handful of bag charms making their debut in person in Paris and online. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025

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