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

How to Deadhead Shrubby Plants with Large Flowers These include large marigolds, summer phlox, astilbe, peonies, purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, daisies, annual and perennial salvia, petunias, and zinnias. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

Companion planting with flowering plants, like yarrow, zinnias, and sunflowers, attracts beneficial insects that naturally control pests. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

Really tough bedding plants include, bush daisy, coleus, pentas, torenia and classic zinnias. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

How To Harvest Zinnia Seeds To collect seeds from your zinnias, wait for the flowers to brown and feel dry to the touch. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 July 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