delphinium

noun

del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfi-nē-əm How to pronounce delphinium (audio)
: any of a large genus (Delphinium) of the buttercup family that comprises chiefly perennial erect branching herbs with palmately divided leaves and irregular flowers in showy spikes and includes several that are poisonous compare larkspur

Illustration of delphinium

Illustration of delphinium

Examples of delphinium 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.
The garden will replace delphiniums and carnations on display in the conservatory in late spring with begonias and zinnias in the summer, and chrysanthemums and asters in the fall. Jane L. Levere, New York Times, 20 May 2025 This refresh includes a cottage garden collection of flowers in purple, blue and white flowers, including blue delphinium and purple foxglove. Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 8 May 2025 The Central Coast town has long been known for entirely other kinds of fields: Its flower farms supply florists and draw tourists to catch lavender, delphinium and more varieties in bloom. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 While the irises are the stars of the show, they’re all set against a backdrop of other beautiful perennials like lupine, allium, poppies, and delphinium. Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delphinium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek delphinion larkspur, diminutive of delphin-, delphis dolphin; probably from the shape of the nectary

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delphinium was in 1664

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Delphinium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delphinium. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

delphinium

noun
del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm How to pronounce delphinium (audio)
: any of a large genus of herbs related to the buttercups and widely grown for their flowers in showy spikes

Medical Definition

delphinium

noun
del·​phin·​i·​um del-ˈfin-ē-əm How to pronounce delphinium (audio)
1
Delphinium : a large genus of chiefly perennial herbaceous plants of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that have lobed leaves and typically white or blue flowers in dense showy spikes and that contain toxic alkaloids
2
plural delphiniums or delphinium : any plant of the genus Delphinium compare larkspur
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