carnation

[ kahr-ney-shuhn ]

noun

1. any of numerous cultivated varieties of the clove pink, Dianthus caryophyllus, having long-stalked, fragrant, usually double flowers in a variety of colors: the state flower of Ohio.
2. pink; light red.
3. Obsolete. the color of flesh.

adjective

1. having the color carnation.

carnation

/ kɑːˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. Also calledclove pink a Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, Dianthus caryophyllus, cultivated in many varieties for its white, pink, or red flowers, which have a fragrant scent of cloves
2. the flower of this plant
3. 1. a pink or reddish-pink colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a carnation dress

4. often plural a flesh tint in painting

Word History and Origins

Origin of carnation¹

1525–35; < Late Latin carnātiōn- (stem of carnātiō ) fleshlikeness, hence flesh-color, equivalent to Latin carn- (stem of carō ) flesh + -ātiōn- -ation

Word History and Origins

Origin of carnation¹

C16: from French: flesh colour, from Late Latin carnātiō fleshiness, from Latin carō flesh

Example Sentences

There are carnations, chrysanthemums, and an abundance of roses in almost every hue.

From BBC

Red carnations were laid below pictures of fallen fighters at a memorial on Sunday, press agency Reuters reported, while some attendees lit candles.

From BBC

As well as leaving roses and carnations here, visitors are placing dolls and soft toys on the flowers.

From BBC

I saw his supporters throw roses and carnations at the hearse before it headed to the cemetery.

From BBC

Many people cried and members of Alpha Chi Omega held carnations, a symbol of the sorority.

From Seattle Times

More About Carnation

What does carnation mean?

A carnation is a fragrant flower that’s commonly reddish-pink but is found in a variety of colors, including white, pale pink, red, and even purple. Some varieties are striped.

Another name for the carnation is clove pink. Its scientific name is Dianthus caryophyllus.

Carnations are some of the most popular flowers to give as gifts. They are often given to mothers on Mother’s Day.

Different colors of carnations are said to have different meanings when presented as gifts. For example, red carnations are said to represent longing or admiration.

The carnation is the state flower of Ohio. It’s also the January birth flower (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).

The word carnation can also be used as a word for a pink or light red color like that of the flower.

Example: My prom corsage was made of lovely pink carnations.

Where does carnation come from?

The first records of the word carnation come from around 1530. It comes from a French word meaning “flesh color,” ultimately from the Latin carō, meaning “flesh.”

Carnations are herbaceous perennial plants with fringed petals. They’re thought to be native to the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated for thousands of years.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for carnation?

• Dianthus caryophyllus
• clove pink

What are some words that share a root or word element with carnation?

• incarnation
• carnage
• carnal

What are some words that often get used in discussing carnation?

• pink
• red
• flower
• bouquet
• florist
• Mother’s Day
• January

How is carnation used in real life?

Carnations are popular to give as gifts.

I've always loved carnations, they're just so pretty! pic.twitter.com/v2P1ysefCy

— TheLilacShed (@LilacShed) July 19, 2016

my favorite flower has almost always been a carnation, and i just found out today january’s flower is a carnation ??? if this isn’t fate idk what is

— raylee 🐈‍⬛💜 (@raylee_hebron) November 22, 2019

Every time I see a man pick up a bouquet of carnations I want to tell him, "no. Anything else."

— Clare Malone (@ClareMalone) July 10, 2015

Try using carnation!

True or False?

Carnations are always pink.