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 includes common garden favorites like dahlias and gladioli. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026

Among the summer-blooming flowers gracing its beds and trellises are poppies, dahlias, sunflowers, and clematis. — News Desk, Artforum, 20 Aug. 2026

On her blog, Stewart explained that these dahlias can vary significantly in size. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 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