marigold

[ mar-i-gohld ]

noun

1. any of several chiefly golden-flowered composite plants, especially of the genus Tagetes, as T. erecta, having strong-scented foliage and yielding an oil that repels root parasites.
2. any of several unrelated plants, especially of the genus Calendula, as C. officinalis, the pot marigold.

marigold

/ ˈmærɪˌɡəʊld /

noun

1. any of various tropical American plants of the genus Tagetes, esp T. erecta ( African marigold ) and T. patula ( French marigold ), cultivated for their yellow or orange flower heads and strongly scented foliage: family Asteraceae (composites)
2. any of various similar or related plants, such as the marsh marigold, pot marigold, bur marigold, and fig marigold

Word History and Origins

Origin of marigold¹

1300–50; Middle English; Mary (the Virgin), gold

Word History and Origins

Origin of marigold¹

C14: from Mary (the Virgin) + gold

Example Sentences

Vargas is inviting the public to come to the site Wednesday after 1 p.m. to help construct marigolds out of fabric and make the mural “the largest ofrenda ever.”

From Los Angeles Times

He promptly turned the four Ninja brothers into skeleton turtles, ornately decorated with complex green stripes and color-coordinated marigolds.

From Los Angeles Times

Autumn brings clay lamps and marigold garlands to the marketplaces of Delhi as people prepare for Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

From Salon

These include citronella and a few other geranium varieties, marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender and lantana.

From Los Angeles Times

Pennes also planted Mexican marigold to help repel pests and attract wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times

More About Marigold

What does marigold mean?

A marigold is a bright orange or yellow flower.

The name marigold can be used for any plant in the genus Tagetes. The plants are known for their flowers and fragrant leaves.

Common varieties include the French marigold (Tagetes patula), the African marigold (Tagetes erecta), and the Signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Other unrelated plant species referred to as marigolds include the fig marigold, pot marigold, bur marigold, and marsh marigold.

Marigolds are often planted in gardens and are known to attract pollinators. Marigold flowers have cultural significance in Mexico and India, where they are often used for celebrations. Marigolds are also sometimes used in herbal medicine and even in cooking—most marigold flowers are edible.

Marigolds are one of the birth flowers for October (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).

Example: I planted marigolds next to my cabbages this year.

Where does marigold come from?

The first records of the word marigold come from the 1300s. It comes from Middle English and is composed of the name Mary (in reference to Mary, the mother of Jesus) and the word gold (in reference to the color of the flowers).

Marigold varieties are native to North America and South America. Most marigolds are annual plants that bloom throughout the summer season, but some species are perennial, meaning they have a longer life cycle than just a season.

Did you know ... ?

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

• Mary
• gold
• French marigold
• African marigold
• fig marigold
• pot marigold
• bur marigold
• marsh marigold

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

• flower
• plant
• yellow
• orange

How is marigold used in real life?

Marigolds are popular garden flowers and are associated with certain events and ceremonies in India and in Mexico, like Dia de Los Muertos. The word marigold is also used in the names of other unrelated plant species.

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated today and tomorrow. It's all about honoring the memories of loved ones who have passed on. Did you know the flower traditionally used is the marigold? Tradition has it that their bright colors and scent guide the spirits. pic.twitter.com/Tkb0sE9d7b

— Capital Vacations (@CapitalVacays) November 1, 2018

🌿zinnias + marigolds pic.twitter.com/yBGzSIIwIU

— Chakayla Taylor-Sykes (@chakaylajtaylor) September 13, 2021

Some plants in the @cumbriawildlife garden have taken a pasting from the frosty weather but the Marsh-marigolds, lighting up the pond edges, remain resolutely robust, their buds like fists, ready for whatever life throws at them. A welcome sight for bumblebees braving the cold. pic.twitter.com/YYfB4kxWkR

— Julia Sier (@GardenerSier) April 7, 2021

 

Try using marigold!

True or False?

Marigold flowers are usually edible.