clematis

noun

cle·​ma·​tis ˈkle-mə-təs  kli-ˈma-təs 

-ˈmā-,

-ˈmä-

: any of a genus (Clematis) of vines or herbs of the buttercup family often having three leaflets on each leaf and usually white, red, pink, or purple flowers

Examples of clematis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Choose from bright pink bougainvillea, edible nasturtium, or colorful clematis, among others, for just the right look for your landscape. —Kelly Roberson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2024

Roses, clematis, wildflowers and more accent the green grounds with pops of color. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2024

The most popular clematis varieties are typically deciduous, sending out 6–18 feet of new growth and a flush of large purple, pink, or white blooms each year. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024

The garden itself is a result of a bet between Marie-Antoinette and the Count of Artois (the French queen challenged her brother-in-law to build the space in less than three months), but now features rows of roses, irises, clematis, and peonies. —Laura Hampson, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, from Greek klēmatis brushwood, clematis, from klēmat-, klēma twig, from klan to break — more at clast

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

clematis

noun

clem·​a·​tis

ˈklem-ət-əs,

kli-ˈmat-əs

: a vine or herb related to the buttercups that has leaves with three leaflets and is widely grown for its showy usually white, red, pink, or purple flowers