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marigold

[ mar-i-gohld ]

noun

  1. any of several chiefly golden-flowered composite plants, especially of the genus Tagetes, as T. erecta, having strong-scented foliage and yielding an oil that repels root parasites.
  2. any of several unrelated plants, especially of the genus Calendula, as C. officinalis, the pot marigold.


marigold

/ ˈmærɪˌɡəʊld /

noun

  1. any of various tropical American plants of the genus Tagetes, esp T. erecta ( African marigold ) and T. patula ( French marigold ), cultivated for their yellow or orange flower heads and strongly scented foliage: family Asteraceae (composites)
  2. any of various similar or related plants, such as the marsh marigold, pot marigold, bur marigold, and fig marigold
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of marigold1

1300–50; Middle English; Mary (the Virgin), gold
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Word History and Origins

Origin of marigold1

C14: from Mary (the Virgin) + gold
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Compare Meanings

How does marigold compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

From the top, stare out at the glacially-carved Schoodic Peninsula and dozens of small islets sprinkled across the Atlantic as the sun turns from periwinkle to brilliant marigold.

It was anything but a typical day in the park, but as I watched the sky fade from marigold to coral to rosebud, I sensed a deep feeling of calm come over me, one that never would have occurred had I spent the day crushing big miles.

Families build altars with photos of their loved ones decorated with candles, sugar skulls, marigold flowers and food.

If you have access to multiple marigold varieties, consider trying them all to discover your favorites.

All varieties of marigold have edible petals, but they don’t all taste the same.

It was mostly covered by a safety orange balaclava, which she had paired with a marigold yellow lace sundress.

Darry and Burd were planning another trip on the Marigold, and so had little time to give to the girl chums of Roselawn.

That folding wireless staff you use on the Marigold is repeated right on the top of that tower.

I do not think this is the flower, because there is no proof, as far as I know, that it was called Marigold in Shakespeare's time.

At the verge of the water, a thick green plant of marsh-marigold has one or two great golden flowers open.

Butter is often colored with annatto, saffron, turmeric, marigold or coal-tar colors.

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More About Marigold

What does marigold mean?

A marigold is a bright orange or yellow flower.

The name marigold can be used for any plant in the genus Tagetes. The plants are known for their flowers and fragrant leaves.

Common varieties include the French marigold (Tagetes patula), the African marigold (Tagetes erecta), and the Signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Other unrelated plant species referred to as marigolds include the fig marigold, pot marigold, bur marigold, and marsh marigold.

Marigolds are often planted in gardens and are known to attract pollinators. Marigold flowers have cultural significance in Mexico and India, where they are often used for celebrations. Marigolds are also sometimes used in herbal medicine and even in cooking—most marigold flowers are edible.

Marigolds are one of the birth flowers for October (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).

Example: I planted marigolds next to my cabbages this year.

Where does marigold come from?

The first records of the word marigold come from the 1300s. It comes from Middle English and is composed of the name Mary (in reference to Mary, the mother of Jesus) and the word gold (in reference to the color of the flowers).

Marigold varieties are native to North America and South America. Most marigolds are annual plants that bloom throughout the summer season, but some species are perennial, meaning they have a longer life cycle than just a season.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with marigold

What are some words that often get used in discussing marigold?

How is marigold used in real life?

Marigolds are popular garden flowers and are associated with certain events and ceremonies in India and in Mexico, like Dia de Los Muertos. The word marigold is also used in the names of other unrelated plant species.

 

Try using marigold!

True or False?

Marigold flowers are usually edible.

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