nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm How to pronounce nasturtium (audio)
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

Illustration of nasturtium

Examples of nasturtium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fully ripe nasturtium seeds should be easy to dislodge from the plant. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025 Succession seed-sowing works well for quick-growing plants like zinnias, morning glories, marigolds, sweet peas, cosmos, and nasturtiums. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2025 The palate presents similar flavors with hints of allspice, spiced apples, and nasturtium. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 Exposed to morning sun, the nasturtium grows back each year without the benefit of any water other than winter rain. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nasturtium

Word History

Etymology

Latin, a cress

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nasturtium was in 1704

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Cite this Entry

“Nasturtium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nasturtium. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

nasturtium

noun
nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm How to pronounce nasturtium (audio)
na-
: any of a genus of herbs with showy flowers and edible sharp-tasting seeds and leaves

More from Merriam-Webster on nasturtium

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