hyacinth

noun

hy·​a·​cinth ˈhī-ə-(ˌ)sin(t)th How to pronounce hyacinth (audio)
-sən(t)th
1
a
: a precious stone of the ancients sometimes held to be the sapphire
b
: a gem zircon or hessonite
2
a
: a plant of the ancients held to be a lily, iris, larkspur, or gladiolus
b
: a bulbous perennial herb (Hyacinthus orientalis) of the asparagus family that is native to the Mediterranean region but is widely grown for its dense spikes of fragrant flowers compare grape hyacinth, water hyacinth
3
: a light violet to moderate purple
hyacinthine adjective

Illustration of hyacinth

Illustration of hyacinth
  • hyacinth 2b

Examples of hyacinth 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.
Crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and lilies add to this coat of many colors. Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 6 Mar. 2025 This hyacinth woven tray is a must-have for my coffee table. Ali Faccenda, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2025 The bulbs — which include tulips, narcissus, hyacinths and irises — are usually covered by other crops that winter visitors can view. Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024 Unlike other bulbs that can be forced for early indoor color, like tulips and hyacinths, paperwhites don’t have a chilling period prerequisite. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hyacinth

Word History

Etymology

Latin hyacinthus, a precious stone, a flowering plant, from Greek hyakinthos

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyacinth was in 1553

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hyacinth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyacinth. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

hyacinth

noun
hy·​a·​cinth ˈhī-ə-(ˌ)sin(t)th How to pronounce hyacinth (audio)
1
: a red or brownish gem
2
: a common garden plant that grows from a bulb, is related to the lilies, and is widely grown for its showy dense spikes of fragrant bell-shaped flowers compare grape hyacinth, water hyacinth

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