marigold

American  

[mar-i-gohld] / ˈmær ɪˌgoʊld /

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.

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marigold British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of marigold

1300–50; Middle English; Mary (the Virgin), gold

Compare meaning

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

• calendula vs. marigold

Example Sentences

This includes cornflowers, corncockle and corn marigold - what he terms the iconic British countryside flowers.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2025

Autumn brings clay lamps and marigold garlands to the marketplaces of Delhi as people prepare for Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

From Salon • Oct. 14, 2024

Pennes also planted Mexican marigold to help repel pests and attract wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2024

“I wanted to represent this wet marigold but not in a way that is typical. It was vivid in a different way to me. I felt a sense of distance.”

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2024

I made a pattern of marigold garlands in honor of Hari and to remind me of the hours I had spent in stringing the orange flowers.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan