hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbi-skəs 

hə-

: any of a large genus (Hibiscus) of herbs, shrubs, or small trees of the mallow family with large showy flowers and usually dentate leaves

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There are about 250 species of shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants in the genus Hibiscus, which belongs to the mallow family. They are native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Several are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flowers. The tropical Chinese or Hawaiian hibiscus, which is also called China rose, has large, somewhat bell-shaped reddish blossoms. The East African hibiscus, a drooping shrub, is often grown in hanging baskets indoors.

Examples of hibiscus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chef Victor Munoz is crafting a menu fusing local flavors with international preparations such as Dry Aged Rohan Duck with sweet potato, lavender, hibiscus and red rosebud jus and Tom Kha crudo with amberjack, wasabi and Miami fruit finger lime. —Laurie Werner, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

The soft matte coverage plus the elasticity-boosting formula (shout out hibiscus and red propolis extracts) make for a first-rate foundation. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024

The lemonades are raspberry, black cherry, honey, strawberry hibiscus, and key lime. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2024

There’s also a $12 zero-proof Polynesian Punch made with Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, orange, pineapple, passionfruit, guava, soda water and a hibiscus ginger beer. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marshmallow

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbis-kəs 

hə-

plural hibiscuses

: any of a large genus of herbs, shrubs, or small trees related to the mallow and having toothed leaves and large showy flowers