gardenia

noun

gar·​de·​nia gär-ˈdē-nyə How to pronounce gardenia (audio)
: 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 The best part is that its formulation contains a botanical blend of white waterlily, gardenia and lotus, which helps to nourish and soothe the skin with each application. Denise Primbet, Glamour, 8 Feb. 2024 The natural scent of lavender, gardenia vanilla and jasmine brings on sweet dreams. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Gleaming Gardenia Flower Hoops Switch up your everyday jewelry style with this pair of gardenia hoops. Carly Totten, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2023 In a multi-city plot, saffron was being bulked up with inexpensive gardenia extracts from China. Laura Reiley, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2023 Best fragrances for Gemini: Delicate scents like jasmine, gardenia, and cashmere musk paired with the stronger rosemary and lemon play on each other—just like a Gemini’s multi-dimensional personality. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 Florist also triggers some less-recent memories with its gardenia, honeysuckle, and jasmine mid-notes, a combination also used in Viva La Juicy, an iconic fragrance that launched toward the end of my high school days. Kara McGrath, Allure, 15 Nov. 2023 Tom Ford Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum The 7 Virtues Lotus Pear Eau de Parfum Williams pear, lotus flower, and gardenia, plus geranium and upcycled rose—sustainably sourced from Egypt—come together to create this uplifting floral scent. Kayla Greaves, Vogue, 17 Nov. 2023 Fresh scents like gardenia, eucalyptus, and orange blossom are also fitting. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gardenia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Alexander Garden †1791 Scottish naturalist

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gardenia was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near gardenia

Cite this Entry

“Gardenia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gardenia. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gardenia

noun
gar·​de·​nia gär-ˈdē-nyə How to pronounce gardenia (audio)
: any of various Old World tropical trees and shrubs with leathery leaves and fragrant white or yellow flowers
also : one of the flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on gardenia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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