hyacinth

noun

hy·​a·​cinth ˈhī-ə-(ˌ)sin(t)th 

-sən(t)th

1

a

: a precious stone of the ancients sometimes held to be the sapphire

b

: a gem zircon or hessonite

2

a

: a plant of the ancients held to be a lily, iris, larkspur, or gladiolus

b

: a bulbous perennial herb (Hyacinthus orientalis) of the asparagus family that is native to the Mediterranean region but is widely grown for its dense spikes of fragrant flowers compare grape hyacinth, water hyacinth

3

: a light violet to moderate purple

hyacinthine

ˌhī-ə-ˈsin(t)-thən 

adjective

Illustration of hyacinth

• hyacinth 2b

Examples of hyacinth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Covering 79 acres, the garden also features roses, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, lilies, carnations, and irises. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025

Plants like water hyacinth, water lettuce, and water lilies float on the surface. —Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025

Small scalloped hyacinth baskets ($49) keep hold of some of her favorite things. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 15 May 2025

Fig, which layers in notes of cassis, jasmine, and hyacinth, is another scent that invites staying in bed for hours on end. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin hyacinthus, a precious stone, a flowering plant, from Greek hyakinthos

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing hyacinth

• grape hyacinth
• water hyacinth
• wild hyacinth

Rhymes for hyacinth

• labyrinth
• plinth
• synth

Kids Definition

hyacinth

noun

hy·​a·​cinth ˈhī-ə-(ˌ)sin(t)th 

1

: a red or brownish gem

2

: a common garden plant that grows from a bulb, is related to the lilies, and is widely grown for its showy dense spikes of fragrant bell-shaped flowers compare grape hyacinth, water hyacinth