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 From achiote trees to red begonias to bird’s nest ferns, their impressive year-round collection is a feast for the senses. Anna Haines, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 For warm weather, switch to lantana, verbena, begonias, angelonia, impatiens, coleus, sweet potato vine, fanflower, narrowleaf zinnia, and Wave petunia. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2022 This local nonprofit has welcomed floral-loving guests since the ‘60s, and visitors can expect to see collections of rhododendrons, heathers, camellia, begonias, magnolias, fuchsias, and even wild mushrooms, depending on the season. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024 Flowers like zinnias, begonias, and sunflowers are also annuals. Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 2 Aug. 2023 Begonia Often used as an annual in gardens and outdoor containers, begonias make a pretty indoor plant, too, particularly fibrous and rhizomatous varieties. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2022 But multiflora tuberous begonias—like the old favorite 'Non-Stop' series—have abundant, showy flowers in a variety of colors that last late in the season, blooming until the first frost. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2023 For example, many of the new begonias grow quickly to fill a large container and bloom constantly with very little care. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2023 A little girl in a Minnie Mouse jacket picked out a begonia and a pot to paint. Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, 30 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'begonia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near begonia

Cite this Entry

“Begonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/begonia. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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