poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə How to pronounce poinsettia (audio)
 nonstandard  pȯint-,
nonstandard
-ˈse-tə How to pronounce poinsettia (audio)
: any of several spurges (genus Euphorbia) with flower clusters subtended by showy involucral bracts
especially : a showy Mexican and Central American plant (E. pulcherrima) with tapering usually scarlet bracts that suggest petals and surround small yellow flowers

Illustration of poinsettia

Illustration of poinsettia

Examples of poinsettia 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.
Trim poinsettias to within 12 to 18 inches of the soil and begin feedings. 40. — Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025 This is where Paul Ecke grew his famed poinsettias that were sold worldwide. — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025 Adorned with twinkling lights and white trees all throughout the space, the venue’s decor also incorporates poinsettia flowers, life-size Santa replicas, giant Christmas ornaments on the space’s flower awning, gingerbread creations with faux snow accents on tables. — Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 The fields switched from poinsettias to ranunculus and strawberries after the poinsettias moved into greenhouses in the 1960s. — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poinsettia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Joel R. Poinsett †1851 American diplomat

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poinsettia was in 1836

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“Poinsettia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poinsettia. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

poinsettia

noun
poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈset-ē-ə How to pronounce poinsettia (audio) -ˈset-ə How to pronounce poinsettia (audio)
: a showy Mexican and Central American plant with large scarlet bracts that grow like petals about its small yellow flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on poinsettia

Nglish: Translation of poinsettia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poinsettia

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