philodendron

noun

phil·​o·​den·​dron ˌfi-lə-ˈden-drən 

plural philodendrons also philodendra ˌfi-lə-ˈden-drə 

: any of various aroid plants (as of the genus Philodendron) that are cultivated for their showy foliage

Illustration of philodendron

Examples of philodendron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tropical Houseplants Many houseplants, such as pothos, bromeliads, philodendrons, and monsteras, love higher humidity than normally found in our homes. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2024

For example, most houseplants, from philodendrons to hoyas, are tropical perennials, Martin explains. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024

Lily feels bad—not for Danielle but for the philodendron who never asked to be here. —Allegra Goodman, The New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2024

Montalvo has a penchant for pothos and philodendrons, while Marsh says large monsteras, dracaenas, dieffenbachias, and snake plants can add some height to your setup. —Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, neuter of philodendros loving trees, from phil- + dendron tree — more at dendr-

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing philodendron

• cutleaf philodendron
• split leaf philodendron

Kids Definition

philodendron

noun

philo·​den·​dron

ˌfil-ə-ˈden-drən

plural philodendrons also philodendra

-drə

: any of several plants of the arum family that are often grown for their showy usually shiny leaves