delphinium

noun

del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfi-nē-əm 

: any of a large genus (Delphinium) of the buttercup family that comprises chiefly perennial erect branching herbs with palmately divided leaves and irregular flowers in showy spikes and includes several that are poisonous compare larkspur

Illustration of delphinium

Examples of delphinium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Central Coast town has long been known for entirely other kinds of fields: Its flower farms supply florists and draw tourists to catch lavender, delphinium and more varieties in bloom. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

While the irises are the stars of the show, they’re all set against a backdrop of other beautiful perennials like lupine, allium, poppies, and delphinium. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Contained within these borders are a luscious mix of lupines, roses, foxgloves, peonies and delphiniums. —Blue Carreon, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

In the casual garden, roses contrast and pair wonderfully with the vertical showy spikes of foxgloves, penstemons, delphiniums, stock and snapdragons and the tiny, dainty flowers of alyssum, daisies and nemesia. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek delphinion larkspur, diminutive of delphin-, delphis dolphin; probably from the shape of the nectary

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for delphinium

• asplenium
• perineum
• proscenium
• ruthenium
• selenium
• vaccinium
• rhenium

Kids Definition

delphinium

noun

del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm 

: any of a large genus of herbs related to the buttercups and widely grown for their flowers in showy spikes

Medical Definition

delphinium

noun

del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm 

1

Delphinium : a large genus of chiefly perennial herbaceous plants of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that have lobed leaves and typically white or blue flowers in dense showy spikes and that contain toxic alkaloids

2

plural delphiniums or delphinium : any plant of the genus Delphinium compare larkspur