hollyhock

noun

hol·​ly·​hock ˈhä-lē-ˌhäk How to pronounce hollyhock (audio)
-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

Illustration of hollyhock

Examples of hollyhock 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.
Skies appear extra-blue, hollyhocks come in brilliant reds and pinks. — Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026 One of these is pink hollyhock tree (Hibiscus splendens). — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025 As the last hollyhock flowers fade, Petrochenko recommends leaving some blooms on the plant to mature into viable seeds. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 26 May 2026 From coats, dresses, and suits with hollyhocks, topiaries and collages of various flora and foliage. — Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hollyhock

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hollyhock was in 1548

Rhymes for hollyhock

See All Rhymes for hollyhock

Browse Nearby Words

holly green
hollyhock
hollyhock delphinium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

hollyhock

noun
hol·​ly·​hock ˈhäl-ē-ˌhäk How to pronounce hollyhock (audio)
-ˌhȯk
: a widely grown Asian herb related to the mallows and having large coarse rounded leaves and tall stalks bearing showy flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on hollyhock

Nglish: Translation of hollyhock for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hollyhock

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