salvia

noun

sal·​via ˈsal-vē-ə 

: any of a large and widely distributed genus (Salvia) of herbs and shrubs of the mint family having a 2-lipped open calyx and two anthers

especially : one (S. splendens) with scarlet flowers

Examples of salvia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once salvia plants have bloomed and the stems have turned brown, cut them down to the basal leaves, and new flowers will appear. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

Here’s how to prune salvias in the summer for bigger blooms and healthier plants. — Heather Bien, The Spruce, 19 July 2026

Late spring to early summer is the best time to propagate salvia. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 17 July 2026

But in your landscape also include bush daisy, coreopsis, firespike, gaillardia, lantana, marigolds, porterweed, salvia and zinnias. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, sage — more at sage

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for salvia

• bivalvia

Medical Definition

salvia

noun

sal·​via ˈsal-vē-ə 

1

capitalized : a genus of widely distributed herbs or shrubs of the mint family (Lamiaceae) including the sage (S. officinalis)

2

: any herb or shrub of the genus Salvia