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 These can be reused in the warmer months for floppy summer blooms such as peonies, zinnias, and dahlias. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 Plant zinnias, cosmos, or sunflowers nearby to attract pollinators. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024 Hall, also a wedding florist, noted there are other plants growing in the same area, including other dahlias, cosmos, zinnias, and phlox. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 3 Oct. 2024 So harvest those remaining tomatoes (even the green ones); cut bouquets of dahlias, zinnias, and marigolds; make pesto with the last of your basil; pickle the cucumbers; or pick a pint of peppers when a cold snap is coming. Charlotte Germane, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zinnia 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zinnia.' 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 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

Dictionary Entries Near zinnia

Cite this Entry

“Zinnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinnia. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!