dahlia

noun

dahl·​ia ˈdal-yə How to pronounce dahlia (audio) ˈdäl- How to pronounce dahlia (audio)
 US also and British usually  ˈdāl-
: any of a genus (Dahlia) of American tuberous-rooted composite herbs having opposite pinnate leaves and rayed flower heads and including many that are cultivated as ornamentals

Examples of dahlia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Continue to deadhead dahlias throughout their blooming season, as often as once a week, to maximize their flower production. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 July 2025 Guerrero, who says he’s inspired by people’s outfits, loves to use dahlias in his floral arrangements because of their size, shape and color. Edkary Suarez, Mercury News, 9 July 2025 Supporting potted dahlias keeps the container tidy and stable. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2025 Pick up bouquets of fresh-cut dahlias and order your favorites in tuber form for spring delivery. Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dahlia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Anders Dahl †1789 Swedish botanist

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dahlia was in 1835

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Cite this Entry

“Dahlia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dahlia. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dahlia

noun
dahl·​ia ˈdal-yə How to pronounce dahlia (audio) ˈdäl- How to pronounce dahlia (audio)
: any of a genus of American herbs related to the daisies and having brightly colored flower heads and a root that is a tuber

More from Merriam-Webster on dahlia

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