carnation

noun

car·​na·​tion kär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce carnation (audio)
1
: a plant of any of numerous often cultivated and usually double-flowered varieties or subspecies of an Old World pink (Dianthus caryophyllus) found in many color variations
2
: a moderate red
3
archaic : the variable color of human flesh

Examples of carnation in a Sentence

The groom wore a carnation in his buttonhole.
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.
Marta Taboada’s casket was atop the hearse, covered in a white cloth and surrounded by carnations. Mariana Enriquez october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025 This country’s flowers are stunning and range from Gerbera Daisies to orchids and carnations. Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Not a true moss, Irish moss is a ground cover related to carnations. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025 Anna also began the tradition of using white carnations to celebrate mothers. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for carnation

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old Italian carnagione, from carne flesh, from Latin carn-, caro

First Known Use

circa 1535, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of carnation was circa 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carnation. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

carnation

noun
car·​na·​tion kär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce carnation (audio)
1
: a moderate red
2
: any of the numerous cultivated herbs of the genus of pinks with reddish, pink, yellow, or white usually double flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on carnation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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