marigold

noun

mari·​gold ˈmer-ə-ˌgōld 

1

: pot marigold

2

: any of a genus (Tagetes) of composite herbs with showy usually yellow, orange, or maroon flower heads

Examples of marigold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One project studied whether border plantings of marigold or basil could deter pests from reaching fields of main food crops. —Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 9 June 2025

Ants dislike chrysanthemums, mint varieties, tansy, and marigolds, so add them to your garden as deterrents. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 25 May 2025

This tactic is best for certain veggies and flowers like tomatoes and marigolds that can handle some root disturbance; other plants have more sensitive roots that won't tolerate transplanting well, such as root vegetables. —Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025

Rather than using insecticidal sprays in the garden, use plants like marigolds, lavender, rosemary, and bay laurel that repel insects. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Mary, mother of Jesus + Middle English gold

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing marigold

• bur marigold
• marsh marigold
• pot marigold

Rhymes for marigold

• copyhold
• decontrolled
• hundredfold
• manifold
• oversold
• petioled
• sevenfold
• stranglehold
• subthreshold
• thousandfold
• uncontrolled
• ahold

Kids Definition

marigold

noun

mari·​gold ˈmar-ə-ˌgōld 

ˈmer-

: any of a genus of tropical American herbs related to the daisies and grown for their showy yellow or red and yellow flower heads