gardenia

noun

gar·de·nia gär-ˈdē-nyə

: any of a large genus (Gardenia) of Old World tropical trees and shrubs of the madder family with showy fragrant white or yellow flowers

Examples of gardenia in a Sentence

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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.

This turns gardenia, rose and similar blooms brown in a short period of time. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026 Gardenia Lovers of the rich, sweet scents of vanilla or coconut can't go wrong with gardenias. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 June 2026 Kourtney's home was transformed with hundreds of tulips and gardenias arranged on the floor and suspended from the ceiling. — Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 Salicylates are also abundant in tropical flowers, like tuberose and ylang-ylang, as well as gardenia, neroli, and jasmine. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gardenia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Alexander Garden †1791 Scottish naturalist

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of gardenia was in 1756

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Style

“Gardenia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gardenia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gardenia

noun

gar·de·nia gär-ˈdē-nyə

: any of various Old World tropical trees and shrubs with leathery leaves and fragrant white or yellow flowers

also : one of the flowers

gardenia

noun

Examples of gardenia in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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