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

Welcome spring with colorful tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other seasonal favorites. —Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

This vignette takes its cues from the woods, featuring snowy-white 'Carnegie' hyacinth along with an evergreen branch and a handful of pine cones. —Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026

Bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are a simple, inexpensive way to get pretty blooms that return year after year. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026

During the holidays the landscaping team brings in almost 900 Christmas trees, 3,000 yards of spruce garlands, and 18,000 hyacinths. —Tamara Shopsin, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 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