geranium

noun

ge·​ra·​ni·​um jə-ˈrā-nē-əm  -nyəm 

1

: any of a widely distributed genus (Geranium of the family Geraniaceae, the geranium family) of plants having regular usually white, pink, or purple flowers with elongated styles and glands that alternate with the petals

called also cranesbill

2

: pelargonium

3

: a vivid or strong red

Examples of geranium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scented geraniums contain geraniol, which is a natural compound that has a slightly lemony scent that ants stay clear of2. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026

Also on the watch list for both yards and homes are lily of the valley, lilies, cyclamen, lantana, hosta, peony, geranium, chrysanthemum, begonia, gladiola, jade plant, snake plant, kalanchoe, hyacinth, bird of paradise and poinsettia. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Other plants that are toxic to both species include lily of the valley, cyclamen, lantana, hosta, peony, geranium, chrysanthemum, gladiola, hyacinth, kalanchoe and bird of paradise. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Chamomile provides a delicate contrast to cardamom and pink pepper top notes, while a heart of magnolia and geranium leaves gives off a fresh, spa-like impression. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, geranium, from Greek geranion, from diminutive of geranos crane — more at crane

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing geranium

• rose geranium
• wild geranium

Rhymes for geranium

• cranium
• germanium
• titanium
• uranium
• transuranium

Kids Definition

geranium

noun

ge·​ra·​ni·​um jə-ˈrā-nē-əm 

1

: any of a genus of herbs with usually deeply cut leaves and typically white, pink, or purple flowers in which glands alternate with the petals

2

: any of a genus of herbs native to southern Africa with showy flowers of usually red, pink, or white

Etymology

from Latin geranium "geranium," from Greek geranion, literally, "little crane," from geranos "crane"

Word Origin

Many of the plants in the geranium family have long, thin, pointed seedpods or fruits that look like the bills of birds. The ancient Greeks noticed this resemblance. They named the wild geranium geranion, literally meaning "little crane," for the long-legged, long-billed wading bird. English borrowed the Latin form geranium. English also borrowed the idea that the geranium's seedpod looks like a bird's bill. The common English name of the wild geranium is cranesbill.