zinnia

noun

zin·​nia ˈzi-nē-ə How to pronounce zinnia (audio) ˈzē- How to pronounce zinnia (audio)
ˈzi-nyə, 
ˈzē- How to pronounce zinnia (audio)
: any of a genus (Zinnia) of tropical American composite herbs and low shrubs that have showy flower heads with long-lasting ray flowers

Examples of zinnia 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.
Once established, zinnias are very low maintenance. — Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 Lantana, zinnias, California poppies, and globe gilia are a few drought-tolerant options. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 3 July 2026 As the seasons change, the crops will transition to summer offerings including sweet and hot peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, legumes and pollinator-friendly flowers like zinnia and sunflower. — Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 June 2026 The rest of the video documents Shelton and Stefani harvesting flowers from their ranch home's flourishing garden, including the zinnias, Queen Anne's Lace, foxgloves, and more. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for zinnia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Johann G. Zinn †1759 German botanist

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zinnia was in 1761

Rhymes for zinnia

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Browse Nearby Words

zinky
zinnia
zinnwaldite
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

zinnia

noun
zin·​nia ˈzin-ē-ə How to pronounce zinnia (audio) ˈzin-yə How to pronounce zinnia (audio)
ˈzēn-
: any of a genus of tropical American composite herbs having long-lasting flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on zinnia

Nglish: Translation of zinnia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zinnia

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