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

Plants that thrive in dry conditions or poor soil might not be a good match for dahlias. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026

Gypsy Chicks and Blooms Located in Montrose, Gypsy Chicks and Blooms specializes in dahlias and grows more than 100 varieties of that one flower. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 June 2026

In 2018, Nafis added a row of dahlias to the vegetable garden in her backyard and was soon scheming a way to create a cut-flower farm without leaving the city. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

In July, pick your own blueberries at Berry Hill Farm, and gather your own sunflower and dahlia bouquets at Walt’s Farm in August. — Anna Laird Barto, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 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