carnation

noun

car·​na·​tion kär-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a plant of any of numerous often cultivated and usually double-flowered varieties or subspecies of an Old World pink (Dianthus caryophyllus) found in many color variations

2

: a moderate red

3

archaic : the variable color of human flesh

Examples of carnation in a Sentence

The groom wore a carnation in his buttonhole.

Recent Examples on the Web

One flower bouquet includes hot pink carnations, pink mini carnations, white daisies, yellow daisies, alstroemeria, and purple dianthus, priced at $14.99, or $11.99 for FAM members. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 7 May 2024

For the maximalist, holiday baskets brimming with pops of red carnations, berries, and seasonal greenery. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

Sheila Keen-Warren, 61, was released from prison just 18 months following her guilty plea to the second-degree murder of Marlene Warren while dressed as a clown delivering carnations and balloons. —Christina Shaw, Fox News, 4 Nov. 2024

Marigold floral garlands; roses in red, pink, and white; carnations; and mums are scattered across the dining table and altar. —Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old Italian carnagione, from carne flesh, from Latin carn-, caro

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

carnation

noun

car·​na·​tion kär-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a moderate red

2

: any of the numerous cultivated herbs of the genus of pinks with reddish, pink, yellow, or white usually double flowers