marigold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2General; common in gardening, literary, and some ceremonial contexts.
Quick answer
What does “marigold” mean?
A plant of the daisy family, typically with bright orange or yellow flowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plant of the daisy family, typically with bright orange or yellow flowers.
Any of several plants with yellow or orange flowers, especially those belonging to the genera Tagetes (French/African marigold) or Calendula (pot marigold). Symbolically associated with remembrance, grief (especially for Dia de los Muertos), and the sun. The colour name is derived from the flower.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'marigolds' (often capitalised) is a common genericised trademark for yellow household rubber gloves. This usage is rare in American English. The primary botanical reference is consistent, but UK gardeners more commonly refer to 'pot marigold' (Calendula) while US contexts may default to Tagetes species.
Connotations
UK: Strong secondary association with cleaning/domestic gloves. US: Primarily floral, with stronger cultural connotations to Mexican traditions (Dia de los Muertos).
Frequency
The word is more frequent in UK English due to the dual meaning (plant + gloves). In US English, frequency is tied to gardening or cultural discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “marigold” in a Sentence
grow/cultivate/plant [marigolds]the [marigold] bloomeda [marigold] of [colour]decorated with [marigolds]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marigold” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She wore a marigold dress.
- The marigold hue of the sunset was striking.
American English
- They painted the door a bright marigold.
- Her scarf was a marigold yellow.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in horticulture, gardening retail, or cosmetic ingredient listings (Calendula officinalis).
Academic
Used in botany, horticulture, ethnobotany, and cultural studies (e.g., symbolism in rituals).
Everyday
Common in gardening talk, describing colours, or (UK) referring to rubber gloves. 'Could you pass the marigolds?' (UK).
Technical
Specific in botanical taxonomy (Genus/Species), pharmacology (Calendula preparations), and agriculture (as a companion plant).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marigold”
- Confusing 'marigold' (the plant) with 'marygold' (archaic spelling). Using it as a verb (it is a noun). Misspelling as 'merrigold' or 'mariogold'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, marigolds belong to the Asteraceae (daisy) family, while roses are in the Rosaceae family.
Petals of the pot marigold (Calendula) are edible and used as a garnish or in teas. Always ensure correct identification and that flowers are grown without pesticides.
It's a genericised trademark from the Marigold brand, which originally produced gloves in a characteristic yellow colour reminiscent of the flower.
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are smaller and bushier. African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are taller with larger, pom-pom like flowers. Both are native to the Americas.
A plant of the daisy family, typically with bright orange or yellow flowers.
Marigold is usually general; common in gardening, literary, and some ceremonial contexts. in register.
Marigold: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmær.ɪ.ɡəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmer.ɪ.ɡoʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'marigold' as a standalone idiom.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine MARY wearing GOLD(en) orange flowers in her hair. Mary + Gold = Marigold.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUN IS A MARIGOLD (e.g., 'the sun, a giant marigold in the sky'). GRIEF/REMEMBRANCE IS A MARIGOLD (used in memorial ceremonies).
Practice
Quiz
In which cultural tradition are marigolds particularly significant for altar decorations?