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

Did you know?

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

Tea Lemon ginger tea, peppermint tea and hibiscus tea all sell for $12 for a tin of 12 bags, or $1 per bag. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

Consistency is key: Drink hibiscus tea daily for at least four weeks to lower BP. Monitor for interactions: Before trying it, talk to your healthcare provider about how to use it safely. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025

Besides the obvious rum base, each mixologist shared their special ingredients — Rae used orgeat (an almond liquor) and a homemade guava syrup made from jam, Brown’s version included dry sherry, hibiscus and strawberry syrup, and Johnson’s special sauce was cognac and orange liquor. —Essence, 6 July 2025

Plant hibiscus—their large, long-lasting blossoms are hummingbird magnets. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marshmallow

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hibiscus

• meniscus
• discus
• viscous
• viscus

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