: any of numerous chiefly North American composite perennial herbs (genus Solidago) with small heads of usually yellow late-blooming flowers often clustered in panicles compare rayless goldenrod

Examples of goldenrod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This time of year, goldenrod and aster species are holding onto their final blooms, but roses are a special treat. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Dusty blue, goldenrod, charcoal gray, and jewel green add depth, warmth, or calm. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 14 Oct. 2026 Common aster varieties include New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) with purplish-pink flowers, and common goldenrods include tall goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) and Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). — Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 Native plants like seaside goldenrod and eastern redbud trees will dot the space. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for goldenrod

Word History

First Known Use

1568, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of goldenrod was in 1568

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Cite this Entry

“Goldenrod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goldenrod. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

: any of numerous chiefly North American herbs that are related to the daisies and have tall stiff stems topped with rows of tiny usually yellow flowers on slender branches

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