noun

goldenrod

GOHL-duhn-rahd

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Goldenrod (noun) means Goldenrod is a tall-stemmed plant of the genus Solidago, usually bearing clusters of small yellow flowers. Example: “A patch of goldenrod grew along the roadside.”

noun

Goldenrod is a tall-stemmed plant of the genus Solidago, usually bearing clusters of small yellow flowers.

"A patch of goldenrod grew along the roadside."

"Bees were busy around the goldenrod in late summer."

"She picked a few stems of goldenrod for the vase."

Goldenrod is a golden-yellow colour like that of the goldenrod plant.

"The curtains were dyed a warm goldenrod."

"She painted the door frame in goldenrod."

"The sunset faded into shades of goldenrod."

adjective

Goldenrod describes something of a golden-yellow colour, like the goldenrod plant.

"He wore a goldenrod scarf with his coat."

"The walls were painted a soft goldenrod shade."

"Her dress was a striking goldenrod colour."

How to use goldenrod

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGoldenrod is either the yellow wildflower or the golden-yellow colour named after it.

When to use it

Goldenrod is a plain, descriptive word used in everyday, botanical and design contexts alike.

Memory tip

Context tells you which sense is meant, since the plant and the colour share the exact same name.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

goldenrod flowers a field of goldenrod goldenrod yellow a shade of goldenrod

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “goldenrod” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A patch of _____ grew along the roadside.

Etymology

The word was formed within English by joining golden and rod, describing the plant's tall, rod-like stem topped with golden flowers.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is goldenrod?

Goldenrod is a tall wildflower with clusters of small yellow blooms, and also the golden-yellow colour named after it.

What colour is goldenrod?

Goldenrod is a warm, golden-yellow shade, similar to the colour of the flowering plant.

Is goldenrod a plant or a colour?

It is both: the name refers to the yellow-flowered plant and to the golden-yellow colour it is associated with.

What is the meaning of goldenrod?

"goldenrod" (noun) means goldenrod is a tall-stemmed plant of the genus Solidago, usually bearing clusters of small yellow flowers.