gardenia

noun

gar·​de·​nia gär-ˈdē-nyə How to pronounce gardenia (audio)
: any of a large genus (Gardenia) of Old World tropical trees and shrubs of the madder family with showy fragrant white or yellow flowers

Examples of gardenia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The mélange of juicy pear, fresh gardenia, and mandarin is sweet as can be, and a hint of rose and cedarwood add some depth without using the charming youthfulness. Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Feb. 2025 Once Mother Nature has given you the go-ahead, Vater recommends planting broadleaf evergreens such as gardenias, camellias, and hollies during this early planting season. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025 The Cinderella Collection Cinderella’s collection is as dreamy as her night at the ball, with notes of gardenia petals and musk packaged in sapphire blue and amber, to represent her resilience and kindness. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 12 Feb. 2025 Cinderella's fragrance has notes of gardenia petals, enchanting musk and sapphire blue amber. Belle. Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gardenia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Alexander Garden †1791 Scottish naturalist

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gardenia was in 1756

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Cite this Entry

“Gardenia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gardenia. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

gardenia

noun
gar·​de·​nia gär-ˈdē-nyə How to pronounce gardenia (audio)
: any of various Old World tropical trees and shrubs with leathery leaves and fragrant white or yellow flowers
also : one of the flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on gardenia

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