hyacinth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Literary, formal, specialized (botany/horticulture), poetic.
Quick answer
What does “hyacinth” mean?
A type of flowering plant in the asparagus family, known for its dense spikes of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of flowering plant in the asparagus family, known for its dense spikes of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers.
A pale purple colour resembling the typical colour of the flower; also refers to the myth of Hyacinthus, a beautiful youth loved by Apollo who was transformed into the flower.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Cultivation and commonality of the plant may vary.
Connotations
Shared connotations of spring, fragrance, and classical elegance.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, appearing more in literary or gardening contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hyacinth” in a Sentence
plant a hyacinththe hyacinth bloomedthe colour of hyacinthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hyacinth” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The hyacinths by the front gate are a sure sign that spring has arrived.
- She wore a dress the colour of a fading hyacinth.
American English
- We need to plant the hyacinth bulbs before the first hard frost.
- The vase was filled with the rich scent of hyacinths.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps in gardening/florist industries.
Academic
Used in botany, horticulture, literary studies, classics.
Everyday
Low frequency; used by gardeners or in descriptive writing.
Technical
Specific in botanical classification and cultivation guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hyacinth”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hyacinth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hyacinth”
- Misspelling as 'hyacynith' or 'hiacinth'.
- Confusing with 'hyacinth bean' (an entirely different plant).
- Using as a common colour term outside poetic contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different plants. The common name 'bluebell' usually refers to plants in the genus *Hyacinthoides* or *Mertensia*, while 'hyacinth' refers to *Hyacinthus*. 'Wood hyacinth' is sometimes used for bluebells, causing confusion.
Yes, but it's primarily a poetic or descriptive term for a pale purple or lavender-blue colour, not a standardised colour name like 'red' or 'blue'.
Yes, hyacinth bulbs are popular with gardeners because they are generally easy to grow in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, often forcing well for indoor winter blooms.
The flower is named after Hyacinthus, a beautiful Spartan youth loved by the god Apollo. When Hyacinthus was accidentally killed, Apollo caused a flower (the hyacinth) to spring from his blood, with markings resembling the Greek exclamation of grief 'AI AI'.
A type of flowering plant in the asparagus family, known for its dense spikes of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers.
Hyacinth is usually literary, formal, specialized (botany/horticulture), poetic. in register.
Hyacinth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪəsɪnθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪəsɪnθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sad as a hyacinth in winter (literary/invented for illustration)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "HIGH, a SYNTH(etic) flower?" No, a real, high-scented (fragrant) flower from ancient myths.
Conceptual Metaphor
HYACINTH IS SPRING / HYACINTH IS FRAGRANT BEAUTY / HYACINTH IS TRANSIENT LIFE (from myth).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hyacinth' LEAST likely to be used?