hollyhock

noun

hol·​ly·​hock ˈhä-lē-ˌhäk 

-ˌhȯk

: a tall widely cultivated biennial or perennial herb (Alcea rosea synonym Althaea rosea) of the mallow family that has large coarse rounded leaves and tall spikes of showy flowers and that is probably of Asian origin

Illustration of hollyhock

Examples of hollyhock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The huge white, pink, red, or burgundy flowers that appear in mid-summer resemble hollyhocks and can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

The hollyhock pattern from House of Hackney appears throughout Weger’s apartment, even on this fabric lampshade. — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

The creator also recommends using hollyhocks or balloon flowers for these tiny treats. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026

As the last hollyhock flowers fade, Petrochenko recommends leaving some blooms on the plant to mature into viable seeds. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English holihoc marshmallow, from holi holy + hoc mallow, from Old English

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hollyhock

• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk

Kids Definition

hollyhock

noun

hol·​ly·​hock ˈhäl-ē-ˌhäk 

-ˌhȯk

: a widely grown Asian herb related to the mallows and having large coarse rounded leaves and tall stalks bearing showy flowers