poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə 

nonstandard pȯint-

nonstandard

-ˈse-tə 

: any of several spurges (genus Euphorbia) with flower clusters subtended by showy involucral bracts

especially : a showy Mexican and Central American plant (E. pulcherrima) with tapering usually scarlet bracts that suggest petals and surround small yellow flowers

Illustration of poinsettia

Examples of poinsettia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some plants, such as lilies and poinsettias, can be toxic to dogs and cats. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026

Now the son delivers the poinsettia. — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026

Remove 4 to 6 inches of new growth from poinsettias to encourage compact growth. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Thousands of poinsettias—in shades of red, pink, white, and variegations—flare against indoor gardens' tropical foliage. — Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Joel R. Poinsett †1851 American diplomat

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈset-ē-ə  -ˈset-ə 

: a showy Mexican and Central American plant with large scarlet bracts that grow like petals about its small yellow flowers