begonia

noun

be·​go·​nia bi-ˈgō-nyə How to pronounce begonia (audio)
: any of a large genus (Begonia of the family Begoniaceae, the begonia family) of tropical or subtropical herbs and shrubs that have asymmetrical leaves and are widely cultivated as ornamentals

Examples of begonia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The stems of angel-wing, dragon-wing, and tuberous begonias bow down under the weight of the pendulous flowers. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025 What about red begonias paired with green hostas or ferns in the shade? Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025 Though all are tender perennials, many begonias are treated as annuals. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025 Find out how to propagate begonias from cuttings or seeds with this simple, step-by-step guide. Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for begonia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Michel Bégon †1710 French governor of Santo Domingo

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of begonia was in 1751

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Cite this Entry

“Begonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/begonia. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

begonia

noun
be·​go·​nia bi-ˈgō-nyə How to pronounce begonia (audio)
: any of a large genus of tropical herbs often grown for their colorful leaves and bright waxy flowers

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