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

Unlike poinsettias that tend to disappear with the holiday hoopla, a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) adds a nice touch to your decor all year long. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026

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

These tropical plants have become classic holiday houseplants alongside poinsettias, Christmas cacti, and Norfolk pines. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 11 Jan. 2026

Like poinsettias and mums, these plants flower under short days. —Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 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