dahlia

noun

dahl·​ia ˈdal-yə  ˈdäl- 

 US also and British usually  ˈdāl-

: any of a genus (Dahlia) of American tuberous-rooted composite herbs having opposite pinnate leaves and rayed flower heads and including many that are cultivated as ornamentals

Examples of dahlia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This includes tender perennials like dahlias, cannas, gladiolus, agapanthus, and elephant ears. Plants in Fluctuating Temperatures In regions with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, especially in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and 8, soil can shift and expose roots to damage. —Macie Stump, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024

Gently stick the flowers (dahlias, ranunculus, and poinsettias) into flower frogs and arrange them in the vessel. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2024

The first year was challenged by drought, and in 2023, an unusually wet and humid summer limited the dahlia production. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

In the summer, there will be her almost perfect dahlias, along with the latest beach reads. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Anders Dahl †1789 Swedish botanist

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dahlia

noun

dahl·​ia ˈdal-yə  ˈdäl- 

: any of a genus of American herbs related to the daisies and having brightly colored flower heads and a root that is a tuber