gladiolus

noun

glad·​i·​o·​lus ˌgla-dē-ˈō-ləs 

plural gladioli ˌgla-dē-ˈō-(ˌ)lē  -ˌlī 

1

or plural gladiolus also gladioluses : any of a genus (Gladiolus) of chiefly African perennial plants of the iris family with erect sword-shaped leaves and spikes of brilliantly colored irregular flowers arising from corms

2

: the large middle portion of the sternum

Illustration of gladiolus

• gladiolus 1

Examples of gladiolus 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

Growers in chilly climates need to dig up tender bulbs, like dahlias, gladiolus, and ranunculus, in fall and overwinter the bulbs indoors to keep these plants safe from severe cold. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024

Here's How to Overwinter Them 06 of 10 Gladiolus Gladiolus can be left in the garden through winter in Zones 8–11, but gladiolus corms need to be overwintered indoors in colder areas. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024

Garden roses and gladiolus close out the list as other flowers perfect to present a mom on the special day celebrating her. —Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 11 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, gladiolus, from diminutive of gladius

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gladiolus

noun

glad·​i·​o·​lus ˌglad-ē-ˈō-ləs 

plural gladioli -ˈō-(ˌ)lē 

-ˈō-ˌlī

or gladiolus also gladioluses

: any of a genus of chiefly African plants related to the irises and having erect sword-shaped leaves and stalks of brilliantly colored flowers

Etymology

from Latin gladiolus, literally, "little sword," from gladius "sword" — related to gladiator

Medical Definition

gladiolus

noun

glad·​i·​o·​lus ˌglad-ē-ˈō-ləs 

plural gladioli -(ˌ)lē  -ˌlī 

: the large middle portion of the sternum lying between the upper manubrium and the lower xiphoid process

called also mesosternum