hollyhock

noun

hol·​ly·​hock ˈhä-lē-ˌhäk How to pronounce hollyhock (audio)
-ˌhȯk
: a tall widely cultivated biennial or perennial herb (Alcea rosea synonym Althaea rosea) of the mallow family that has large coarse rounded leaves and tall spikes of showy flowers and that is probably of Asian origin

Illustration of hollyhock

Illustration of hollyhock

Examples of hollyhock 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.
The high hollyhocks had dried above the yellowed parsley and the Chinese carnations, which had not even been able to open: this sky replaced everything. Literary Hub, 22 July 2025 However, scarlet lily beetles sometimes also feed on other ornamentals, including hostas, lily of the valley, hollyhock, flowering tobacco, potatoes, bittersweet, and Solomon’s seal. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025 Collect seeds of hollyhocks, salvias and other flowers to sow at the best time. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025 Heavily inspired by pre-Columbian Central American architecture, Hollyhock is considered to be one of Wright's most experimental works and is best known for the hollyhock motifs (Barnsdall's favorite flower) that visitors can spot around the property. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hollyhock

Word History

Etymology

Middle English holihoc marshmallow, from holi holy + hoc mallow, from Old English

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hollyhock was in 1548

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hollyhock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hollyhock. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

hollyhock

noun
hol·​ly·​hock ˈhäl-ē-ˌhäk How to pronounce hollyhock (audio)
-ˌhȯk
: a widely grown Asian herb related to the mallows and having large coarse rounded leaves and tall stalks bearing showy flowers

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