nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm 

na-

: any of a genus (Tropaeolum of the family Tropaeolaceae, the nasturtium family) of herbs of Central and South America with showy spurred flowers and pungent edible seeds and leaves

especially : either of two widely cultivated ornamentals (T. majus and T. minus)

Illustration of nasturtium

Examples of nasturtium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Boost the chances of pollination by planting marigolds, nasturtium, or sweet alyssum along the garden’s edges to attract the pollinators that will move pollen from male to female blooms. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

Growing nasturtiums next to dahlias will keep this insect at bay. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026

Between her herbs and vegetables, McMahon tucks in flowers like cosmos and nasturtium. —Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026

Chambers also has nasturtiums popping up all over. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, a cress

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm 

na-

: any of a genus of herbs with showy flowers and edible sharp-tasting seeds and leaves