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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thanks to their profusion of blooms, zinnias make great plants for beginning gardeners. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 June 2025 While home gardeners can find many plants to grow in a cutting garden, zinnias and sunflowers are always at the top of the list since these two flowering plants have low maintenance needs and are great for beginners. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025 Rich soil and weekly watering results in more vigorous plants, but zinnias will get by pretty well during a drought. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2025 Grow zinnias near these companion plants for more pollinators and bigger harvests. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zinnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinnia. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on zinnia

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