Hollyhock Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌺
Add to dictionary

hollyhock

[ˈhɒlihɒk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

plant type

Hollyhock is a flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae family, known for its tall spikes of colorful blooms. These plants are often grown in gardens and can reach heights of up to 8 feet. They are valued for their ornamental beauty and attract pollinators.

Synonyms

Alcea, malva, rose mallow.

Examples of usage

  • She planted hollyhocks in her garden for summer color.
  • The hollyhocks swayed gently in the breeze.
  • This hollyhock variety is particularly resistant to pests.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'hollyhock'

The term 'hollyhock' comes from the Old English word 'halh', meaning 'a corner or nook', referring to the plant's growth habit. The 'hock' part likely derives from the word 'mallow', a family of plants it belongs to. Hollyhocks have been cultivated since ancient times and are native to Asia and Europe. They were brought to North America in the 17th century and quickly gained popularity in gardens and landscapes. The vibrant flowers of hollyhocks have been depicted in art and literature, symbolizing beauty and life, and they played a significant role in traditional herbal medicine among various cultures.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,187, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.