zinnia

noun

zin·​nia ˈzi-nē-ə  ˈzē- 

ˈzi-nyə,

ˈzē- 

: 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

Pair blue hydrangeas with blueberries to create a pretty, edible hedge, or mix strawberries with red zinnias to maximize space, mix food and flowers, and create a design that packs a powerful punch of two monochromatic color schemes, green leaves plus fruits and flowers in the same color. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Feb. 2025

Wait to plant summertime color such as marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and all the other frost-sensitive plants until the last week of March. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2025

This includes fast growing crops and certain annuals, such as okra and zinnias. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025

Monarchs are particularly attracted to flowers such as asters, coneflowers, zinnias, lantana and black-eyed Susans. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zinnia

• linea
• tinea
• perigynia
• pollinia

Kids Definition

zinnia

noun

zin·​nia ˈzin-ē-ə  ˈzin-yə 

ˈzēn-

: any of a genus of tropical American composite herbs having long-lasting flowers