begonia

noun

be·​go·​nia bi-ˈgō-nyə How to pronounce begonia (audio)
: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web This rhizomatic begonia has startlingly acid-green leaves that are deeply lobed and splattered with rich burgundy tones and red margins. Marianne Willburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2022 There, in the mirror’s reflection, my peace lily sagged, my begonia browned, my African violets pouted while bugs circled their leaves like vultures. Karen Hugg, WIRED, 9 Nov. 2022 One last comment on the weird name for this begonia. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2021 French botanist Charles Plumier discovered a begonia in Antilles in 1690 and named it after Begon. oregonlive, 9 Aug. 2021 The Whopper begonia is especially interesting with large flowers, large leaves and several color options. Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Apr. 2021 The Begonia boliviensis varieties feature open, tubular flowers in shades of flaming orange and red, making this long-blooming, more sun tolerant begonia a real showstopper. Earl Nickel, SFChronicle.com, 4 Dec. 2020 However, many other plants, including edible microgreens such as chia or flax, and plants that naturally tend to grow near a water source such as orchids, ferns, and begonias, will all thrive in a terraplanter. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2020 At Bigelow Nurseries in Northborough, Mass., workers stayed hours after closing on Friday, pulling in annuals like begonias and petunias. Maria Cramer, New York Times, 9 May 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'begonia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of begonia was in 1751

Dictionary Entries Near begonia

Cite this Entry

“Begonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/begonia. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

begonia

noun
be·​go·​nia bi-ˈgō-nyə How to pronounce begonia (audio)
: any of a large genus of tropical herbs often grown for their colorful leaves and bright waxy flowers

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