clematis

noun

cle·​ma·​tis ˈkle-mə-təs How to pronounce clematis (audio) kli-ˈma-təs How to pronounce clematis (audio)
-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
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.
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Type: Moist, well-draining Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9 Use the timeless pairing of climbing roses and clematis to dramatic effect on trellises and fences. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025 Pruning clematis correctly will help this vine look its best year after year. Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025 The pyramid shape structures can support plants like climbing roses and clematis—and give you something to look at when flowers aren’t blooming. Teresa Woodard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025 Specific plants used in this outdoor area include ivy, clematis, and climbing hydrangea. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clematis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin clēmatid-, clēmatis "any of several vines, as clematis and convolvulus," borrowed from Greek klēmatid-, klēmatís "vine branch used as firewood, (in plural) brushwood, flowering vine (as convolvulus and clematis)," from klēmat-, klêma "cut vine branch, branch on a growing plant, (in plural) shoots" (from klē-, probably variant stem of kláō, klân "to break off, break in two or in pieces" + -mat-, -ma, resultative noun suffix) + -id-, -is, diminutive suffix — more at clastic

Note: The genus was introduced by linnaeus in Species Plantarum (1753), vol. 1, p. 543.

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clematis was in 1578

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Cite this Entry

“Clematis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clematis. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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

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