What does hollyhock mean?
A hollyhock is a tall, ornamental flowering plant belonging to the mallow family. It is especially recognizable for its upright stems lined with large, rounded flowers, which may be red, pink, purple, white, or yellow. Hollyhocks are usually grown as biennials or short-lived perennials in sunny, sheltered garden borders, cottage gardens, and along walls or fences. Their strong vertical growth gives them a dramatic effect, while their flowers resemble those of hibiscus and other mallows. The plant is native to parts of Asia but is now cultivated in Britain, North America, and many other temperate regions. Hollyhock flowers can also be used decoratively, although the plant’s exact status as an edible flower depends on the species and preparation. The word is chiefly horticultural: “hollyhock” normally refers both to the whole plant and, informally, to its individual blossoms.
nounA tall, showy flowering plant of the mallow family, typically bearing rounded flowers along upright stems. Hollyhocks are commonly grown in cottage gardens and borders, where they produce a dramatic vertical display in summer.
- A tall perennial or biennial plant of the mallow family, native to parts of Asia and cultivated worldwide for its showy, hibiscus-like flowers.
- The flower of this plant, especially when used in floral arrangements or decorative displays.
"Tall hollyhocks lined the garden wall in a riot of pink and crimson."
"The hollyhocks are blooming earlier than usual this year."
"She arranged a bowl of deep-red hollyhocks on the dining table."
Use “hollyhocks” for multiple plants or flowers.
"The garden is famous for its tall hollyhocks."
With flower spikes that can rise above 2 metres, a hollyhock can turn an ordinary garden fence into a vertical tapestry of colour.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hollyhock come from?
The word “hollyhock” developed in late Middle English and is generally understood as a compound involving “holly” and an element recorded as “hogcock” or “hock.” The precise origin and semantic development of the second element are uncertain, though the plant’s foliage has long been associated with holly-like leaves. The modern spelling became established with the compound’s wider use for the plant and its flowers.
Related word forms
How hollyhock is actually used
Hollyhock is a botanical and horticultural term rather than everyday vocabulary. In British English, the final syllable is commonly pronounced with /ɒ/; in American English it is generally pronounced with /ɑː/.
Easily confused with hollyhock
Holly is an evergreen shrub or tree with prickly leaves and red berries, whereas a hollyhock is a tall flowering plant with large, soft-petalled blooms.