clematis

noun

cle·ma·tis ˈkle-mə-təs

kli-ˈma-təs

-ˈmā-,

-ˈmä-

: any of a genus (Clematis) of vines or herbs of the buttercup family often having three leaflets on each leaf and usually white, red, pink, or purple flowers

Examples of clematis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Most varieties are deciduous but there are a few evergreen clematis including Armandii and cartmanii. —

Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 1 July 2024 To enhance your ceremony, line your aisles with tall blue delphinium or include petite clematis blooms to your bouquet for a sweet dose of color. —

Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 June 2024 Choose from bright pink bougainvillea, edible nasturtium, or colorful clematis, among others, for just the right look for your landscape. —

Kelly Roberson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2024 Roses, clematis, wildflowers and more accent the green grounds with pops of color. —

Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for clematis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin clēmatid-, clēmatis "any of several vines, as clematis and convolvulus," borrowed from Greek klēmatid-, klēmatís "vine branch used as firewood, (in plural) brushwood, flowering vine (as convolvulus and clematis)," from klēmat-, klêma "cut vine branch, branch on a growing plant, (in plural) shoots" (from klē-, probably variant stem of kláō, klân "to break off, break in two or in pieces" + -mat-, -ma, resultative noun suffix) + -id-, -is, diminutive suffix — more at clastic

Note: The genus was introduced by linnaeus in Species Plantarum (1753), vol. 1, p. 543.

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of clematis was in 1578

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Clematis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clematis. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

clematis

noun

clem·a·tis

ˈklem-ət-əs,

kli-ˈmat-əs

: a vine or herb related to the buttercups that has leaves with three leaflets and is widely grown for its showy usually white, red, pink, or purple flowers

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clematis

noun

Examples of clematis in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near clematis

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Kids Definition