clematis

noun

cle·​ma·​tis ˈkle-mə-təs How to pronounce clematis (audio) kli-ˈma-təs How to pronounce clematis (audio)
-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 Larger clematis planted in the ground can create a lacy screen by climbing on wire, fishing line or slender lattice. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2023 Anything with braces wider than half an inch will be difficult for a clematis to grasp. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2023 The most familiar clematis blooms are the big purple saucers of Jackman’s clematis, a common sight in summer in Chicago-area gardens. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2023 Today the gardens have expanded to 14 acres with trial gardens, native plant gardens, roses, clematis, and much more. Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2023 Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 14 Clematis Plant $26 at Amazon More creative than a bouquet, this clematis plant can be enjoyed for much longer. Cailey Lindberg, goodhousekeeping.com, 10 June 2023 The handout also briefly touches on clematis care, including pruning. oregonlive, 12 Mar. 2023 Peas, beans, nasturtium, clematis and other vining plants need support. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 16 June 2023 This building block clematis will give him a fun challenge in his downtime — so much better than a bouquet! Cailey Lindberg, goodhousekeeping.com, 10 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clematis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, from Greek klēmatis brushwood, clematis, from klēmat-, klēma twig, from klan to break — more at clast

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clematis was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near clematis

Cite this Entry

“Clematis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clematis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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