hollyhock

noun

hol·​ly·​hock ˈhä-lē-ˌhäk 

-ˌhȯk

: a tall widely cultivated biennial or perennial herb (Alcea rosea synonym Althaea rosea) of the mallow family that has large coarse rounded leaves and tall spikes of showy flowers and that is probably of Asian origin

Illustration of hollyhock

Examples of hollyhock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wright included Barnsdall’s favorite flower, hollyhocks, throughout the design, including roof finials, furniture, art glass windows, and ornamental friezes and accents. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2024

One of these is pink hollyhock tree (Hibiscus splendens). —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 10 Aug. 2024

Like foxglove, hollyhocks typically grow as biennials, growing a rosette of foliage in their first season and producing flowers in their second year. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024

Go for black roses, pansies, tulips, calla lilies, bat flowers, black mondo grass, burgundy peonies, dark purple dahlias, black hollyhocks, and purple smoke bush. —Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English holihoc marshmallow, from holi holy + hoc mallow, from Old English

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hollyhock

noun

hol·​ly·​hock ˈhäl-ē-ˌhäk 

-ˌhȯk

: a widely grown Asian herb related to the mallows and having large coarse rounded leaves and tall stalks bearing showy flowers