: 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 WebThe altar is surrounded by candles, a baby Jesus statue, roses and poinsettias lit by thousands of tiny red, green and white lights, the colors of the Mexican flag.—J. Emilio Flores, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2023 However, the designs—pine, pinecones, winter whites, and poinsettias—are sure to make a statement in your space.—Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2023 In the mid 1960s, Edwin Frazee moved his ranunculus and gladiolus to the current location on land owned by the Ecke Family, where the Eckes had been growing their famed poinsettias.—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2024 This means that the majority of the poinsettia plants sold in the U.S. are grown domestically.—Chelsea Hylton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for poinsettia
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poinsettia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Joel R. Poinsett †1851 American diplomat
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