zinnia

noun

zin·​nia ˈzi-nē-ə How to pronounce zinnia (audio) ˈzē- How to pronounce zinnia (audio)
ˈzi-nyə
ˈzē- How to pronounce zinnia (audio)
: 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
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Choose good companion plants like marigolds that keep pests away and zinnias, which draw pollinators. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026 Annual flowers like marigolds and zinnias are excellent for beginners. Holly McNamara, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026 Ranunculus and eucalyptus are available now, while sunflowers, dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, roses and mini marigolds will available as the season progresses. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 According to Grace Kreuger, founder of Lulabelle’s Flower Farm, specialty zinnia varieties will take over gardens this year. Cori Sears, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zinnia

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zinnia was in 1761

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Cite this Entry

“Zinnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinnia. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

zinnia

noun
zin·​nia ˈzin-ē-ə How to pronounce zinnia (audio) ˈzin-yə How to pronounce zinnia (audio)
ˈzēn-
: any of a genus of tropical American composite herbs having long-lasting flowers

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