What does marigold mean?
A marigold is a colorful flowering plant in the daisy family, valued for its cheerful blooms and its usefulness in gardens, containers, and cooking. The common name covers several related plants, including French and African marigolds of the genus Tagetes and the pot marigold, Calendula officinalis. The flowers appear in shades of yellow, orange, red, and cream and may be double, ruffled, or compact. Marigolds are often planted as borders, companions in vegetable gardens, and ornamental container plants. Some varieties, particularly calendula, have edible petals and have long been used in culinary and herbal preparations. The word also names a rich yellow-orange color. Its traditional name “Mary’s gold” reflects an old association with the Virgin Mary, and the plant’s strong color, long flowering period, and garden-friendly habits have helped make it a familiar flower worldwide.
nounA marigold is a brightly colored flowering plant of the daisy family, widely grown in gardens and pots. Its flowers may be yellow, orange, red, or cream and are also used in cooking and traditional remedies.
- Any of several brightly colored plants of the daisy family, especially those in the genera Tagetes and Calendula, grown as ornamentals.
- The flower of a marigold, which can be yellow, orange, red, cream, or bicolored.
- An orange-yellow color resembling the flowers of the plant.
"She planted bright orange marigolds along the garden border."
"The marigolds bloomed vigorously after the first autumn rain."
"She added fresh marigold petals to the salad."
"The wall was painted a deep marigold yellow."
The plural is used for multiple plants, flowers, or individual blooms.
"The marigolds survived the frost and continued blooming."
Marigold gets its name from an old association with the Virgin Mary, earning it the nickname “Mary’s gold.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marigold come from?
The word marigold developed in Middle English and is commonly explained as a compound of Mary and gold, with the flower called “Mary’s gold.” The exact historical pathway is not entirely certain, and the name may also have been influenced by existing medieval names for related golden-yellow plants. Its modern form reflects the established English compound, while related words such as gold, golden, and goldsmith come from the separate Germanic root shared by the second element.
How marigold is actually used
In general British English, “marigold” often refers to Calendula officinalis, the pot marigold. In North American usage, it more commonly refers to Tagetes species, including French and African marigolds. The name also denotes a warm yellow-orange color.
Easily confused with marigold
Marigold is a flowering ornamental plant, whereas marjoram is a culinary herb with small leaves and a distinctive aromatic flavor.
In some regions, especially in the United Kingdom, marigold may refer specifically to Calendula officinalis, while the term also commonly encompasses plants of the genus Tagetes.