hyacinth

noun

hy·​a·​cinth ˈhī-ə-(ˌ)sin(t)th 

-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

ˌhī-ə-ˈsin(t)-thən 

adjective

Illustration of hyacinth

• hyacinth 2b

Examples of hyacinth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For sunny spots, consider crocus, Muscari (grape hyacinths), hyacinths, tulips, and ornamental onions. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 3 Oct. 2024

Plant daffodil and hyacinth bulbs in the fall once ground temperatures remain stable around 60 degrees F. Many daffodil and hyacinth varieties will multiply and put on a springtime show for several years. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2024

Daffodils and Hyacinths Opt for daffodil and hyacinth bulbs for fall planting rather than tulips. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2024

Valuable tinctures could also be added to Brahe’s plague medicine recipe, including hyacinths, coral, sapphires or potable gold. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 27 July 2024

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

Phrases Containing hyacinth

• grape hyacinth
• water hyacinth
• wild hyacinth

Kids Definition

hyacinth

noun

hy·​a·​cinth ˈhī-ə-(ˌ)sin(t)th 

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