What does garland mean?
A garland is a wreath or ornamental chain made from flowers, leaves, foliage, feathers, or similar materials. It may be worn around the head or neck, hung around a doorway or window, or used ceremonially to honor a winner or guest. The word is common in descriptions of festivals, weddings, religious observances, sporting victories, and other celebrations. “Christmas garland” and “garland of flowers” are typical modern uses, while poetry and historical writing often use the word more broadly for a wreath associated with beauty, dignity, or achievement. As a verb, “to garland” means to adorn someone or something with a garland, though this use sounds literary or ceremonial rather than everyday. The noun is more frequent than the verb and is also encountered in figurative expressions suggesting honor, praise, or distinction.
A wreath or decorative chain of flowers, leaves, foliage, or similar material, worn or hung as an ornament; also, a wreath used ceremonially as a sign of honor or celebration.
"They hung a garland of greenery above the doorway."
Common in descriptions of festivals, ceremonies, and decoration; also used figuratively for a wreath or sign of honor.
To adorn or decorate with a garland; to place a wreath on someone as a sign of honor or celebration.
"The winners were garlanded with olive wreaths."
Relatively formal and literary; more common in ceremonial, historical, or figurative contexts than in everyday speech.
The standard plural of the noun is “garlands,” with no additional suffix.
"Several garlands of marigolds decorated the entrance."
From a wreath of flowers to a wreath of honor, a garland has always carried celebration.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does garland come from?
The English word entered Middle English from Old French garland or garlande, meaning a wreath or ornamental head-dress. Its deeper origin is uncertain, and proposed connections with Germanic and Latin sources cannot be established with confidence. In English, the word developed both its familiar floral sense and a verb meaning to adorn or crown with a garland.
Related word forms
How garland is actually used
As a noun, garland is especially associated with festive decoration, ritual, celebration, and poetic or literary description. The verb is less common and has a formal, ceremonial, or literary tone.
Easily confused with garland
A garland is a wreath or ornamental arrangement, whereas a gallon is a unit used to measure the volume of liquid.