zinnia

noun

zin·​nia ˈzi-nē-ə  ˈzē- 

ˈzi-nyə, 

ˈzē- 

: any of a genus (Zinnia) of tropical American composite herbs and low shrubs that have showy flower heads with long-lasting ray flowers

Examples of zinnia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Annuals to pinch back include amaranthus, branching sunflowers, cosmos, dahlias, snapdragons, zinnias, marigolds, impatiens, salvia, coleus, verbena, and petunias. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 May 2026

Other beneficial plants for adult monarchs include zinnias, asters, coneflowers, and bee balm. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 28 May 2026

Spoonemore recommends starting with easy, rewarding crops like tomatoes, basil, zinnias, lettuce, and beans. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026

Consider late-blooming native plants such as asters, goldenrod, ironweed, Joe Pye weed, and sneezeweed, as well as some non-natives including tall sedums, dahlias, toad lilies, zinnias, Bolivian verbena, reblooming roses and anise hyssop. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Johann G. Zinn †1759 German botanist

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zinnia

• linea
• tinea
• perigynia
• pollinia

Kids Definition

zinnia

noun

zin·​nia ˈzin-ē-ə  ˈzin-yə 

ˈzēn-

: any of a genus of tropical American composite herbs having long-lasting flowers