chrysanthemum

noun

chry·​san·​the·​mum kri-ˈsan(t)-thə-məm How to pronounce chrysanthemum (audio)
also -ˈzan(t)-
1
: any of various composite plants (genus Chrysanthemum) including weeds, ornamentals grown for their brightly colored often double flower heads, and others important as sources of medicinals and insecticides
2
: a flower head of an ornamental chrysanthemum

Illustration of chrysanthemum

Illustration of chrysanthemum
  • chrysanthemum 2

Examples of chrysanthemum 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.
They may also be repelled by plants like lavender, marigolds and chrysanthemums. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2026 This spring, Melnyk will seed marigolds, chrysanthemums and lavender at the site. — Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026 These plants include ragweed, daisies, marigolds and chrysanthemums. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 Yi-hyeok’s smiling portrait rested on a table cradled by a sea of white chrysanthemums. — Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chrysanthemum

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin chrȳsanthemon, chrȳsanthemum "a yellow-flowered composite plant," borrowed from Greek chrȳsánthemon "any of various plants with bright yellow flowers," from chrȳsós "gold" + ánthemon "blossom, flower" — more at chryso-, anthemion

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chrysanthemum was in 1548

Browse Nearby Words

chrysanthemin
chrysanthemum
chrysanthemum-dicarboxylic acid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chrysanthemum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chrysanthemum. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chrysanthemum

noun
chry·​san·​the·​mum kris-ˈan(t)-thə-məm How to pronounce chrysanthemum (audio)
1
: any of a genus of plants that are related to the daisies and include weeds, ornamental plants grown for their brightly colored often double flower heads, and others important as sources of substances used in medicine and as insecticides
2
: a flower head of an ornamental chrysanthemum

More from Merriam-Webster on chrysanthemum

Nglish: Translation of chrysanthemum for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chrysanthemum

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