carnation

American  

[kahr-ney-shuhn] / kɑrˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. any of numerous cultivated varieties of the clove pink, Dianthus caryophyllus, having long-stalked, fragrant, usually double flowers in a variety of colors: the state flower of Ohio.

2. pink; light red.

3. Obsolete. the color of flesh.

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adjective

1. having the color carnation.

carnation British  

/ kɑːˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. Also called: clove pink.  a Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, Dianthus caryophyllus, cultivated in many varieties for its white, pink, or red flowers, which have a fragrant scent of cloves

2. the flower of this plant

3. 1. a pink or reddish-pink colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a carnation dress

4. (often plural) a flesh tint in painting

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Usage

What does carnation mean? A carnation is a fragrant flower that’s commonly reddish-pink but is found in a variety of colors, including white, pale pink, red, and even purple. Some varieties are striped.Another name for the carnation is clove pink. Its scientific name is Dianthus caryophyllus.Carnations are some of the most popular flowers to give as gifts. They are often given to mothers on Mother’s Day.Different colors of carnations are said to have different meanings when presented as gifts. For example, red carnations are said to represent longing or admiration.The carnation is the state flower of Ohio. It’s also the January birth flower (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).The word carnation can also be used as a word for a pink or light red color like that of the flower.Example: My prom corsage was made of lovely pink carnations.

Etymology

Origin of carnation

1525–35; < Late Latin carnātiōn- (stem of carnātiō ) fleshlikeness, hence flesh-color, equivalent to Latin carn- (stem of carō ) flesh + -ātiōn- -ation

Example Sentences

Gus Monday offers an architectural painting that drops a massive carnation into the middle of Oscar Niemeyer’s French Communist Party headquarters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

“They’re violating our rights. It’s an injustice,” De Paz said, wearing a carnation yellow blouse and surrounded by more than 50 family members and friends.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

The knife in the original sculpture was replaced with a carnation, which symbolises feelings and emotions in Ukraine.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2023

He was accompanied by crowds of his supporters each carrying a single carnation to lay on the tomb.

From Reuters • May 13, 2023

There was a carnation in his lapel and, above it, his Union button.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith