gladiolus n. + Add to list US //ˌɡɫædiˈoʊɫəs// UK //ɡlˌædɪˈəʊləs// glad·i·o·lus SynonymsEtymology Synonyms gladgladiolaOriginLATgladiolus→ENgladiolus From Latin gladiolus (“little sword, sword lily”), diminutive of gladius (“sword”).