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
Monsteras 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
2
: the fruit of a monstera (especially Monstera deliciosa)
Lesser known fruits, such as the monstera (or Mexican breadfruit), baffle even enthusiastic diners. Jan Norris

Examples of monstera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin Monstera, genus name, perhaps arbitrarily re-formed from Latin monstrum "omen, portent, monster entry 1"

Note: The genus name Monstera was introduced by the French botanist Michel Adanson (1727-1806) in Famille des plantes, I partie (Paris, 1763), p. 470. Adanson's taxonomic coinages are notable for their derivational irregularity and occasional inscrutability.

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of monstera was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Monstera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monstera. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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