petunia

noun

pe·​tu·​nia pi-ˈtün-yə 

-ˈtyün-

: any of a genus (Petunia) of tropical South American herbs of the nightshade family that are commonly grown as annuals for their fragrant, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers

Illustration of petunia

Examples of petunia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Calibrachoa enjoys an advantage over petunia. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025

Here's why hummingbirds love petunias, and how to best grow these flowers to attract the birds, according to a gardening expert. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025

About This Episode Grumpy tells a reader how to get rid of the petunias taking over their yard. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 May 2025

In the center of the spacious courtyard, a trickling fountain provides a soothing soundtrack amid pots of fuchsia and purple petunias and pale blue hydrangeas. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from obsolete French petun tobacco, from Tupi petɨ́ma

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for petunia

• dyspareunia

Kids Definition

petunia

noun

pe·​tu·​nia pi-ˈt(y)ün-yə 

: any of a genus of tropical South American herbs of the nightshade family widely grown for their showy funnel-shaped flowers