hibiscus
noun
hi·bis·cus
hī-ˈbi-skəs 
hə-
: any of a large genus (Hibiscus) of herbs, shrubs, or small trees of the mallow family with large showy flowers and usually dentate leaves
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There are about 250 species of shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants in the genus Hibiscus, which belongs to the mallow family. They are native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Several are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flowers. The tropical Chinese or Hawaiian hibiscus, which is also called China rose, has large, somewhat bell-shaped reddish blossoms. The East African hibiscus, a drooping shrub, is often grown in hanging baskets indoors.
Examples of hibiscus in a Sentence
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Two dessert dishes included a banana leaf flan drizzled in sesame caramel and a violet hibiscus meringue that sparked a tropical sensation yet casually constrained thanks to a touch of vanilla.
—
Andrew Watman, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The Pink Cadillac, an aged rum with aloe liqueur, pink peppercorn hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and guava soda, was inspired by a moment when Elvis Presley’s manager forgot to pay a tab and, instead, tipped a waitress with a pink Cadillac.
—Joey Skladany, Bon Appétit, 6 Mar. 2025
Key Ingredients: Baobab seed oil, hibiscus seed oil, desert date oil
Finish: Matte
How to apply: Swipe directly onto cheeks and lips, then blend with either your fingers or favorite complexion brush.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
There’s also a divine course of shredded Belgian endive served atop a swirling spinach and hibiscus sauce.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2025
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Andrew Watman, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The Pink Cadillac, an aged rum with aloe liqueur, pink peppercorn hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and guava soda, was inspired by a moment when Elvis Presley’s manager forgot to pay a tab and, instead, tipped a waitress with a pink Cadillac.
—Joey Skladany, Bon Appétit, 6 Mar. 2025
Key Ingredients: Baobab seed oil, hibiscus seed oil, desert date oil
Finish: Matte
How to apply: Swipe directly onto cheeks and lips, then blend with either your fingers or favorite complexion brush.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
There’s also a divine course of shredded Belgian endive served atop a swirling spinach and hibiscus sauce.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hibiscus
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Cite this Entry
“Hibiscus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hibiscus. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hibiscus
noun
hi·bis·cus
hī-ˈbis-kəs
hə-
plural hibiscuses
: any of a large genus of herbs, shrubs, or small trees related to the mallow and having toothed leaves and large showy flowers
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