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

Some flowering plants, such as hollyhock (Alcea), foxglove (Digitalis), and cardinal flower (Lobelia), are usually allowed to form seed heads so the plants can reseed in the garden for new spring growth. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025

The twisted stars of periwinkles, towering hollyhocks with their hot-pink Medusa heads, the lion-mane frills of marigolds. —Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025

Single bamboo stakes, for example, are perfect for hollyhocks and delphiniums, but inappropriate for bushy peonies with heavy flowers, which do best in a metal grow-through grid, tomato cage, or twine woven around several strategically placed bamboo stakes to corral the peony stems. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025

Collect seeds of hollyhocks, salvias and other flowers to sow at the best time. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025

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
• isopach
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock

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