gardenia

noun

gar·​de·​nia gär-ˈdē-nyə 

: any of a large genus (Gardenia) of Old World tropical trees and shrubs of the madder family with showy fragrant white or yellow flowers

Examples of gardenia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this month, the FDA also approved the use of the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, which is derived from the fruit of the evergreen, gardenia. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025

Another plant that helps prevent erosion is the beach gardenia; the leaves can even be used as a plate. —Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Open your heart with dewy gardenia and floral scents with BO’s Ave Maria or go tender and timeless with Miss Dior bouquet-style perfume. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 4 June 2025

Commissioner Makary also announced the FDA will be approving another natural food dye: gardenia blue. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Alexander Garden †1791 Scottish naturalist

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gardenia

noun

gar·​de·​nia gär-ˈdē-nyə 

: any of various Old World tropical trees and shrubs with leathery leaves and fragrant white or yellow flowers

also : one of the flowers