chrysanthemum

American  

[kri-san-thuh-muhm] / krɪˈsæn θə məm /

noun

1. any of several composite plants of the genus Chrysanthemum, as C. leucanthemum, the oxeye daisy, having white ray flowers with a yellow center.

2. any cultivated variety of the plant C. morifolium, native to China, and of other species of Chrysanthemum, notable for the diversity of color and size of their autumnal flowers.

3. the flower of any such plant.

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chrysanthemum British  

/ krɪˈsænθəməm /

noun

1. any widely cultivated plant of the genus Chrysanthemum, esp C. morifolium of China, having brightly coloured showy flower heads: family Asteraceae (composites)

2. any other plant of the genus Chrysanthemum, such as oxeye daisy

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Usage

What does chrysanthemum mean? The name chrysanthemum is used to refer to a number of plants known for their showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, purple, red, and yellow. The name can refer to the flower or the plant and can be used for any plant in the genus Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are often referred to with the shortened name mums. Chrysanthemums are one of the November birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone). In parts of the U. S., chrysanthemums are a popular decoration for the fall season. The flowers also have cultural significance in East Asia, particularly In Japan and China. The chrysanthemum is the official flower of the city of Chicago. Example: In the fall, we like to decorate our front port with chrysanthemums and pumpkins.

Etymology

Origin of chrysanthemum

1570–80; < Latin < Greek chrȳsánthemon, equivalent to chrȳs- chrys- + ánthemon flower, akin to ánthos; see antho-

Example Sentences

That appeared to pave the way for the emperor's daughter to rise to the Chrysanthemum Throne, but the birth of Prince Hisahito, the emperor's nephew, the following year silenced the debate.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

After all, this is a royal family whose Chrysanthemum throne rule and lineage trace millennia, a royal house which did not wish to taint themselves with social media for well over a decade.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2024

Renee Wherley, president of the San Gabriel Valley Chrysanthemum Society, will give a free introduction of chrysanthemums talk at 11:30 a.m. on Oct.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2022

The Queen’s invitation for them to visit following Naruhito’s 2019 ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

From Washington Times • Sep. 17, 2022

"Oh, but I can. They are in the employ of the Chrysanthemum Teahouse."

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton