hyacinth

¹ American  

[hahy-uh-sinth] / ˈhaɪ ə sɪnθ /

noun

1. a bulbous plant, Hyacinthus orientalis, of the lily family, widely cultivated for its cylindrical cluster of fragrant flowers in a variety of colors.

2. any of various similar or related plants, as the grape hyacinth or the water hyacinth.

3. a plant fabled to have sprung from the blood of Hyacinthus and variously identified as iris, gladiolus, larkspur, etc.

4. Mineralogy. a reddish-orange zircon.

5. a gem of the ancients, held to be the amethyst or sapphire.

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Hyacinth ² American  

[hahy-uh-sinth] / ˈhaɪ ə sɪnθ /

noun

1. a female given name.

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hyacinth British  

/ ˈhaɪəsɪnθ, ˌhaɪəˈsɪnθaɪn /

noun

1. any liliaceous plant of the Mediterranean genus Hyacinthus, esp any cultivated variety of H. orientalis, having a thick flower stalk bearing white, blue, or pink fragrant flowers

2. the flower or bulb of such a plant

3. any similar or related plant, such as the grape hyacinth

4. Also called: jacinth.  a red or reddish-brown transparent variety of the mineral zircon, used as a gemstone

5. Greek myth a flower which sprang from the blood of the dead Hyacinthus

6. 1. any of the varying colours of the hyacinth flower or stone

   2. ( as modifier )

      hyacinth eyes

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Other Word Forms

• hyacinthine adjective

Etymology

Origin of hyacinth

1545–55; < Latin hyacinthus < Greek hyákinthos blue larkspur, also a gem of blue color; jacinth

Example Sentences

Like every year, Tehran’s Tajrish Square was crammed with stalls piled high with hyacinth, garlic and sprouts, while some featured mini-pools holding tiny goldfish, all traditional elements of the haft-sin.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

It’s beautifully packaged in a woven hyacinth basket and ready for gifting.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

Admittedly, it’s easier to bloom an Amaryllis, hyacinth or paperwhite Narcissus bulb that has been prepared in cold storage by the supplier.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 20, 2023

Now, the visitors are greeted to the sight of boats stuck in a sea of invasive green water hyacinth weed.

From Reuters • Mar. 1, 2023

The possession he craved was a transient thing, like the scent of a fresh-cut hyacinth.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson