salvia

noun

sal·​via ˈsal-vē-ə 

: any of a large and widely distributed genus (Salvia) of herbs and shrubs of the mint family having a 2-lipped open calyx and two anthers

especially : one (S. splendens) with scarlet flowers

Examples of salvia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hailing from the prairies of North America, this salvia is an end-of-the-season stunner that produces tall spikes of sky-blue flowers in late summer. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025

Annual flowers such as cosmos, sunflowers and salvia also provide pollen and nectar. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025

That includes geranium, chrysanthemum, marigold, and salvia or shrubs such as barberry, juniper, spruce, and yew. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2025

Salvia discolor: Rare in cultivation, this unusual Peruvian salvia is popular with hummingbirds and is a drought-tolerant choice for the garden. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, sage — more at sage

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for salvia

• bivalvia

Medical Definition

salvia

noun

sal·​via ˈsal-vē-ə 

1

capitalized : a genus of widely distributed herbs or shrubs of the mint family (Labiatae) including the sage (S. officinalis)

2

: any herb or shrub of the genus Salvia