poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə 

 nonstandard  pȯint-,

nonstandard

-ˈse-tə 

: 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

Examples of poinsettia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Treat a loved one to a fun and interactive gift this year, or pick up a poinsettia, Christmas tree, and ornament set to use as decor. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

With the December additions of a wreath topped with a crimson bow, as many sets of poinsettias as there are chandeliers, nutcrackers in front of red curtains, and a sparkling Christmas tree, extra holiday flair is on display at Jeff Ruby's. —Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 6 Dec. 2024

Shop 30 vendor tables, sweets and treats, poinsettias, and deluxe gift baskets. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2024

Pipe a small dot of frosting in center of each poinsettia; arrange gold dragées in centers. —Tricia Manzanero Stuedeman, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈset-ē-ə  -ˈset-ə 

: a showy Mexican and Central American plant with large scarlet bracts that grow like petals about its small yellow flowers