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.
It is most often seen in shades of pink, red, and burgundy, but white and yellow hollyhocks are also available. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 15 Feb. 2025 Regretfully, rust fungus spores seem to be plentiful and always available to affect plumeria, canna and hollyhock foliage. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 Wright included Barnsdall’s favorite flower, hollyhocks, throughout the design, including roof finials, furniture, art glass windows, and ornamental friezes and accents. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2024 One of these is pink hollyhock tree (Hibiscus splendens). Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 10 Aug. 2024 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 12 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on hollyhock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!