monstera
noun
mon·stera
män(t)-'ster-ə 
ˈmänz-tə-rə
ˈmän(t)-stə-rə
ˈmänz-tə-rə
ˈmän(t)-stə-rə
plural monsteras or monstera
1
: any of a genus (Monstera) of tropical American climbing plants of the arum family that have deeply incised or perforated leaves and an erect floral spadix enclosed in a white to yellow concave bract and that include some grown for their large ornamental leaves
… monstera is a climbing or sprawling vine that supports itself with long tentacle-like aerial roots.—
Amy Bennett Williams
Amy Bennett WilliamsMonsteras do not flower or fruit indoors but may do so outdoors in protected locations …—Redland (California) Daily Facts
see swiss cheese plant, swiss cheese vine
Redland (California) Daily Facts2
: the fruit of a monstera (especially Monstera deliciosa)
Lesser known fruits, such as the monstera (or Mexican breadfruit), baffle even enthusiastic diners.—Jan Norris
Jan NorrisExamples of monstera in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What does a thirsty monstera look like? Underwatered monsteras may droop, wilt, or develop curling or yellow and brown leaves.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025
This simple guide will answer all of your monstera watering questions.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025
Try Cranbrook House and Gardens' annual winter house plant sale, including spider plants, succulents, monstera, orchids and more.
—Annalise Frank, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025
Imagine a centerpiece plant as impressive as an inedible monstera or fiddle leaf fig—favorites among houseplant enthusiasts—but that can also provide you with a harvest.
—Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for monstera
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Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025
This simple guide will answer all of your monstera watering questions.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025
Try Cranbrook House and Gardens' annual winter house plant sale, including spider plants, succulents, monstera, orchids and more.
—Annalise Frank, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025
Imagine a centerpiece plant as impressive as an inedible monstera or fiddle leaf fig—favorites among houseplant enthusiasts—but that can also provide you with a harvest.
—Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for monstera
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Cite this Entry
“Monstera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monstera. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
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