bonsai

noun

bon·​sai (ˌ)bōn-ˈsī How to pronounce bonsai (audio)
ˈbōn-ˌsī,
ˈbän-ˌsī How to pronounce bonsai (audio)
 also  ˈbän-ˌzī
plural bonsai
: a potted plant (such as a tree) dwarfed (as by pruning) and trained to an artistic shape
also : the art of growing such a plant

Illustration of bonsai

Illustration of bonsai

Did you know?

This is a living dwarf tree. The word bonsai can also refer to the art of training and growing these dwarf plants in containers. Bonsai specimens are ordinary trees and shrubs, not hereditary dwarfs; they are dwarfed by a system of pruning roots and branches and training branches by tying them with wire. The art originated in China, but has been pursued and developed primarily by the Japanese. The inspiration for bonsai is found in nature, in trees that grow in harsh, rocky places, and are dwarfed and gnarled throughout their existence. Bonsai may live for a century or more and can be handed down from one generation to another. Bonsai pots, usually earthenware and of variable shape, are carefully chosen to harmonize in color and proportion with the tree. A sizable bonsai industry exists as part of the nursery industry in Japan. California is home to a small-scale bonsai industry.

Examples of bonsai in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the winter, tender bonsai need to go indoors or in a greenhouse; hardy plants can stay outdoors as long as they're protected from drying wind and direct sun. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024 The courses cover subjects such as how to care for citrus plants and maintain healthy soil, as well as guidance on raising more unusual plants like staghorn ferns or bonsai. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, the market for bonsai is relatively niche, and there are only so many people on the hunt for a tree ranging in price from $20,000 to $40,000. Will McCarthy, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2024 This potting mix is designed for succulents, cacti, and bonsai and is fast-draining. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024 The free event will celebrate the ancient art of bonsai with more than 50 eye-catching bonsai of all sizes and species, along with demonstrations and a sale with hundreds of options of trees, plants, pots and other bonsai items. San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 The free event features more than 50 unique bonsai on display, along with bonsai demonstrations and more. The Hub, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2023 There is a plush theater with a sumptuous green velvet ceiling and velvet seating, 20 Tahitian-style fire features, a lovely office, a private Japanese bonsai garden, a safari-style library, a custom bar, a game area, and an infinity pool and spa that runs the length of the house. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2023 Meanwhile, Hernandez comes in two days a week to keep the bonsai alive. Frank Shyong, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bonsai.' 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

Japanese, literally, tray planting

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bonsai was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near bonsai

Cite this Entry

“Bonsai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonsai. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bonsai

noun
bon·​sai (ˈ)bōn-ˈsī How to pronounce bonsai (audio) ˈbōn-ˌsī How to pronounce bonsai (audio)
ˈbän-ˌsī
plural bonsai
: a miniature plant (as a tree) grown in a pot by special methods to restrict its growth
also : the art of growing such a plant
Etymology

Japanese

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