begonia

noun

be·​go·​nia bi-ˈgō-nyə 

: any of a large genus (Begonia of the family Begoniaceae, the begonia family) of tropical or subtropical herbs and shrubs that have asymmetrical leaves and are widely cultivated as ornamentals

Examples of begonia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plant Doctor: Wax begonias thrive in moist summer heat but don’t water them too much MacCubbin gives Florida gardening advice about caring for wax begonias, camellia bushes, banana plants, avocado trees, hibiscus, St. Augustine grass and Asiatic jasmine Orlando Sentinel Q. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025

Try some French marigolds, short snapdragon varieties, or begonias. Add a spiller, such as petunias or sweet potato vines, to cascade down the front of the pot. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025

While some types of begonias will take full sun, almost all thrive in part shade. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 June 2025

Annuals to plant: bachelor buttons, begonias, calendula, celosia, cosmos, larkspur, marigold, nasturtium, pansies, petunias, primrose, snapdragons, statice, stock, sunflowers, sweet pea and zinnias A healthy plant that suddenly wilts and dies may be a victim of verticillium or fusarium wilt. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Michel Bégon †1710 French governor of Santo Domingo

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for begonia

• ammonia
• pneumonia
• bronchopneumonia
• pleuropneumonia

Kids Definition

begonia

noun

be·​go·​nia bi-ˈgō-nyə 

: any of a large genus of tropical herbs often grown for their colorful leaves and bright waxy flowers