delphinium

American  

[del-fin-ee-uhm] / dɛlˈfɪn i əm /

noun

• delphiniums,
  plural
• delphinia
  plural

1. any of numerous plants of the genus Delphinium, especially any of various tall, cultivated species having usually blue, pink, or white flowers.

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delphinium British  

/ dɛlˈfɪnɪəm /

noun

1. any ranunculaceous plant of the genus Delphinium: many varieties are cultivated as garden plants for their spikes of blue, pink, or white spurred flowers See also larkspur

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Usage

What does delphinium mean? A delphinium is a tall plant with blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. The flower itself is also commonly called a delphinium. The plural is delphiniums or delphinia. The genus Delphinium includes more than 300 species, and any of these can be referred to as a delphinium. Another name for the delphinium is larkspur (though not all flowers referred to as larkspurs are in the genus Delphinium). Delphiniums are part of the family Ranunculaceae. Delphinium is one of the July birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone). The blue variety is popular in bouquets. Example: I planted delphiniums behind the rose bush to give it a nice backdrop.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• delphinia
  plural
• delphiniums
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of delphinium

1655–65; < New Latin < Greek delphī́nion larkspur, derivative of delphī́s (stem delphīn- ) dolphin; so called from the shape of the nectary

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

delphinium delphinia delphiniums

In recent years, the group turned its attention to larkspur, which is also called delphinium because of its dolphin-shaped flowers.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 3, 2026

The first lady wore a pale delphinium pink silk strapless gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, with off-white Dior suede gloves.

From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026

“I see your eyes in the delphinium, too,” she sings, as beauty blooms all around her.

From New York Times ● May 17, 2024

Only the gardener knows the cutworms are winning, or that those billowing cosmos fill in the bare space where the delphinium died.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 9, 2024

There’s no anger in his delphinium eyes and no fear and no hatred either, so maybe it’s all right.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

The alkaloid delphinia may also be employed, but possesses no advantage except in the preparation of an ointment, when from any reason that form of application should be preferred.

From Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 by Barkham Burroughs

Photos show the couple surrounded by roses, anemones, delphiniums and hydrangeas which appear to be set up in woodland with strategically placed urns and an archway, wedding florist Nicola Paul told the BBC.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2025

In 1972, the Mellanos moved to Oceanside, where they still own 400 acres for asters, waxflowers, alstroemeria, delphiniums and foliage.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 31, 2024

It’s not uncommon for cabbage, kale and blueberries to dot flower beds filled with peonies, delphiniums, roselilies and beyond.

From Seattle Times ● May 22, 2024

Tables will be festooned with pink roses, Australian eucalyptus, dahlias and delphiniums.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 25, 2023

All the morning the gardeners were bringing flowers into the house, the last of the white lilac, and great lupins and delphiniums, roses in hundreds, and every sort of lily.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

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