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

Get the recipe > Caribbean Sorrel Not to be confused with the tart leafy green that goes by the same name, sorrel is what Jamaicans call hibiscus. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 14 Feb. 2024

Perennial hibiscus makes the better pick to grow as a shrub, while tropical is a showy option for containers. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2024

SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream This cult classic cream provides a tropical escape with its coconut and hibiscus scent. —Essence, 5 Mar. 2024

The hibiscus is a nod to the botany practices in the Victorian era, which so elegantly pairs with the Empirical Spirits Ayuuk which has beautiful peppery notes of pasilla. —Aly Walansky, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024

The 66 accommodations—which include suites with private heated pools and sundecks—are scattered throughout tropical-colored clapboard cottages enveloped in hibiscus and lush palms. —Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2024

The limited-edition collection includes almond honey fig, raspberry rose petal hibiscus, pomegranate strawberry, and spice wine berry flavors. —Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2024

Two species of hibiscus, common rose mallow and swamp rose mallow, are both native to wetlands and moist areas of eastern North America. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2023

There’s a hibiscus tree, too, that gave Matthew Charity his first sample of hibiscus tea a few years ago. —Jodie Valade, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marshmallow

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

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