hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbi-skəs 

hə-

plural hibiscuses

: any of a large genus (Hibiscus) of herbs, shrubs, or small trees of the mallow family with large showy flowers and usually dentate leaves

Did you know?

There are about 250 species of shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants in the genus Hibiscus, which belongs to the mallow family. They are native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Several are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flowers. The tropical Chinese or Hawaiian hibiscus, which is also called China rose, has large, somewhat bell-shaped reddish blossoms. The East African hibiscus, a drooping shrub, is often grown in hanging baskets indoors.

Examples of hibiscus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Edgar-Jones was later photographed in a graphic t-shirt featuring an airbrushed hummingbird drinking nectar from an hibiscus flower. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

The whole time, music plays softly from speakers, and red hibiscus juice flows from pitchers into tall glasses. — Patricia Huon, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026

Don’t forget to try their hibiscus lemonade and their bowl acevichado, a mix of roasted salmon ceviche, avocado, peppers, marinated in coconut cream and served with rice and plantain. — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

For beverages, guests could try wine and hibiscus mint tea from Taomi Tea n’ Treats, a venture by Tamika Jeanty, a first-generation, Haitian business owner whom Ordeus met through social media. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marsh mallow

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hibiscus

• meniscus
• discus
• viscous

Kids Definition

hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbis-kəs 

hə-

plural hibiscuses

: any of a large genus of herbs, shrubs, or small trees related to the mallow and having toothed leaves and large showy flowers