Search Dictionary
Definition of gladiolus

gladiolus

/ˌɡlædiˈoʊləs/
gla · di · o · lus
Plural:gladioli
JUMP TO:

gladiolus Lexical Profile

gladiolus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A plant of the iris family (Iridaceae), native primarily to South Africa, Eurasia, and the Mediterranean, characterized by tall spikes of brightly colored, funnel-shaped flowers and stiff, sword-like leaves.

Example

"The florist arranged a striking bouquet featuring tall, crimson gladioli that towered above the surrounding white lilies."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gladiolus

Word Nuance & Usage

While the traditional Latin plural is 'gladioli', the anglicized plural 'gladioluses' and the colloquial back-formation 'gladiola' (plural 'gladiolas') are frequently used in everyday gardening contexts.

• Rhymes for gladiolus

• Nearby Words

gladiator
gladiatorial
gladiola
gladiolus
gladly
gladness
gladsome

Word Origin & Etymology

From Latin 'gladiolus', meaning 'small sword', a diminutive of 'gladius' (sword). The plant was named for the distinctive shape of its long, pointed leaves.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gladiolus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gladiolus
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.