cockscomb
noun
cocks·comb
ˈkäks-ˌkōm 
1
: coxcomb
2
: a garden plant (Celosia cristata) of the amaranth family grown for its flowers
Examples of cockscomb in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are several different types: C. cristata looks like a cockscomb on the top of a rooster’s head; C. plumosa has fluffy plumes like feather; and C. spicata resembles wheat.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 May 2025
Another flower often seen on altars is the cockscomb, also known as Celosia argentea or cresta de gallo, a striking flower characterized by its unique velvety texture and plume-like shape that resembles a rooster’s comb.
—Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024
Three particularly pretty varieties to keep in mind when you seed-source for spring are the flamboyant variegated cockscomb, Celosia ‘Orange Peach’, and Celosia ‘Flamingo Feather,’ which would all add incredible color and texture to both fresh and dried arrangements.
—Sunset Magazine, 27 Sep. 2023
Three flecks of garish pink punctuate a photo of a woman’s back: a bundle of cockscomb blooms, satin ribbons twisted into her braids, tassels that peek out from under her blouse.
—The New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2022
The yard also included hydrangea, mums, asters and unusual cluster plantings of cabbage, red cockscomb and red peppers.
—Susan Degrane, chicagotribune.com, 16 Sep. 2020
At home, Dawn maintained stunning collections of bachelor buttons, lilies, cockscomb, chrysanthemums, and different shrubs for greenery.
—Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis Star, 29 May 2020
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Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 May 2025
Another flower often seen on altars is the cockscomb, also known as Celosia argentea or cresta de gallo, a striking flower characterized by its unique velvety texture and plume-like shape that resembles a rooster’s comb.
—Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024
Three particularly pretty varieties to keep in mind when you seed-source for spring are the flamboyant variegated cockscomb, Celosia ‘Orange Peach’, and Celosia ‘Flamingo Feather,’ which would all add incredible color and texture to both fresh and dried arrangements.
—Sunset Magazine, 27 Sep. 2023
Three flecks of garish pink punctuate a photo of a woman’s back: a bundle of cockscomb blooms, satin ribbons twisted into her braids, tassels that peek out from under her blouse.
—The New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2022
The yard also included hydrangea, mums, asters and unusual cluster plantings of cabbage, red cockscomb and red peppers.
—Susan Degrane, chicagotribune.com, 16 Sep. 2020
At home, Dawn maintained stunning collections of bachelor buttons, lilies, cockscomb, chrysanthemums, and different shrubs for greenery.
—Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis Star, 29 May 2020
Cite this Entry
“Cockscomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockscomb. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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