California poppy

noun

: any of a genus (Eschscholzia) of herbs of the poppy family
especially : one (E. californica) widely cultivated for its usually yellow or orange flowers

Examples of California poppy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
See the Most Dramatic, Terrifying Photos of the California Wildfire Devastation In Lisa's hands are golden California poppies, the state flower. Lawrence Yee, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025 Bills planted salvias, mint, monkey flower and California poppies in her own wildflower garden this fall. Amy Chillag, CNN, 3 Dec. 2024 Flowers included arroyo lupine and California poppies. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 Consider a variety of selections for a successive bloom and remember that less is more when applying seeds, especially for self-seeding flowers like California poppies. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for California poppy 

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of California poppy was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near California poppy

Cite this Entry

“California poppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/California%20poppy. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

California poppy

noun
: any of a genus of herbs related to the poppies and including one widely grown for its usually yellow or orange flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on California poppy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!