hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbi-skəs How to pronounce hibiscus (audio)
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

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.
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 See All Example Sentences for hibiscus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marshmallow

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hibiscus was in 1706

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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.

Kids Definition

hibiscus

noun
hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbis-kəs How to pronounce hibiscus (audio)
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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