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

Begin with tall plants like delphinium or foxglove, then graduate to mid-height and smaller varieties such as stock and snapdragons. —Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025

All parts of delphinium plants are poisonous to humans and pets. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

The garden will replace delphiniums and carnations on display in the conservatory in late spring with begonias and zinnias in the summer, and chrysanthemums and asters in the fall. —Jane L. Levere, New York Times, 20 May 2025

This refresh includes a cottage garden collection of flowers in purple, blue and white flowers, including blue delphinium and purple foxglove. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 8 May 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