clematis

noun

cle·​ma·​tis ˈkle-mə-təs  kli-ˈma-təs 

-ˈmā-,

-ˈmä-

: any of a genus (Clematis) of vines or herbs of the buttercup family often having three leaflets on each leaf and usually white, red, pink, or purple flowers

Examples of clematis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To maximize flowering, prune late blooming clematis hard in February by clipping vines back to the lowest set of flower buds. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2024

Most varieties are deciduous but there are a few evergreen clematis including Armandii and cartmanii. —Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 1 July 2024

To enhance your ceremony, line your aisles with tall blue delphinium or include petite clematis blooms to your bouquet for a sweet dose of color. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 June 2024

Choose from bright pink bougainvillea, edible nasturtium, or colorful clematis, among others, for just the right look for your landscape. —Kelly Roberson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin clēmatid-, clēmatis "any of several vines, as clematis and convolvulus," borrowed from Greek klēmatid-, klēmatís "vine branch used as firewood, (in plural) brushwood, flowering vine (as convolvulus and clematis)," from klēmat-, klêma "cut vine branch, branch on a growing plant, (in plural) shoots" (from klē-, probably variant stem of kláō, klân "to break off, break in two or in pieces" + -mat-, -ma, resultative noun suffix) + -id-, -is, diminutive suffix — more at clastic

Note: The genus was introduced by linnaeus in Species Plantarum (1753), vol. 1, p. 543.

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

clematis

noun

clem·​a·​tis

ˈklem-ət-əs,

kli-ˈmat-əs

: a vine or herb related to the buttercups that has leaves with three leaflets and is widely grown for its showy usually white, red, pink, or purple flowers