delphinium

noun

del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfi-nē-əm 

: any of a large genus (Delphinium) of the buttercup family that comprises chiefly perennial erect branching herbs with palmately divided leaves and irregular flowers in showy spikes and includes several that are poisonous compare larkspur

Illustration of delphinium

Examples of delphinium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the casual garden, roses contrast and pair wonderfully with the vertical showy spikes of foxgloves, penstemons, delphiniums, stock and snapdragons and the tiny, dainty flowers of alyssum, daisies and nemesia. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025

Guests were greeted with glasses of bubbly in the French Drawing Room, elegantly adorned with a profusion of white roses and delphiniums. —Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2024

My favorites include calendula, poppies, nasturtium, chard, and delphinium flowers. —Katie Boué, Outside Online, 5 Aug. 2024

Speaking of, floral arrangements in a patriotic theme—white hydrangeas, red roses, and blue delphiniums—also filled the space. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 28 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek delphinion larkspur, diminutive of delphin-, delphis dolphin; probably from the shape of the nectary

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

delphinium

noun

del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm 

: any of a large genus of herbs related to the buttercups and widely grown for their flowers in showy spikes

Medical Definition

delphinium

noun

del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm 

1

Delphinium : a large genus of chiefly perennial herbaceous plants of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that have lobed leaves and typically white or blue flowers in dense showy spikes and that contain toxic alkaloids

2

plural delphiniums or delphinium : any plant of the genus Delphinium compare larkspur