zinnia

noun

zin·​nia ˈzi-nē-ə How to pronounce zinnia (audio) ˈzē- How to pronounce zinnia (audio)
ˈzi-nyə
ˈzē- How to pronounce zinnia (audio)
: 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
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Lantana, zinnias, California poppies, and globe gilia are a few drought-tolerant options. Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 3 July 2026 The rest of the video documents Shelton and Stefani harvesting flowers from their ranch home's flourishing garden, including the zinnias, Queen Anne's Lace, foxgloves, and more. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Once established, zinnias are very low maintenance. Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 Traditionally, older zinnia varieties were susceptible to powdery mildew, an issue exacerbated by increasing heat levels across various regions. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for zinnia

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zinnia was in 1761

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Cite this Entry

“Zinnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zinnia. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

zinnia

noun
zin·​nia ˈzin-ē-ə How to pronounce zinnia (audio) ˈzin-yə How to pronounce zinnia (audio)
ˈzēn-
: any of a genus of tropical American composite herbs having long-lasting flowers

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