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

Word History and Origins

Origin of marigold¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of marigold¹

C14: from Mary (the Virgin) + gold

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.

From Outside Online

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.

From Outside Online

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

From Voice of San Diego

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

From Popular-Science

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

From Popular-Science

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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? 

• Mary
• gold
• French marigold
• African marigold
• fig marigold
• pot marigold
• bur marigold
• marsh marigold

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

• flower
• plant
• yellow
• orange

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.

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated today and tomorrow. It's all about honoring the memories of loved ones who have passed on. Did you know the flower traditionally used is the marigold? Tradition has it that their bright colors and scent guide the spirits. pic.twitter.com/Tkb0sE9d7b

— Capital Vacations (@CapitalVacays) November 1, 2018

🌿zinnias + marigolds pic.twitter.com/yBGzSIIwIU

— Chakayla Taylor-Sykes (@chakaylajtaylor) September 13, 2021

Some plants in the @cumbriawildlife garden have taken a pasting from the frosty weather but the Marsh-marigolds, lighting up the pond edges, remain resolutely robust, their buds like fists, ready for whatever life throws at them. A welcome sight for bumblebees braving the cold. pic.twitter.com/YYfB4kxWkR

— Julia Sier (@GardenerSier) April 7, 2021

 

Try using marigold!

True or False?

Marigold flowers are usually edible.