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

Consider growing summer-blooming bulbs, corms, and tubers, including agapanthus, begonias, caladiums, calla lilies, canna lilies, dahlias, daylilies, gladiolus, iris, lilies and watsonias. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025

Tuberous begonias have show-stopping flowers and are winter-hardy in Zones 9-11. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025

The stems of angel-wing, dragon-wing, and tuberous begonias bow down under the weight of the pendulous flowers. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025

What about red begonias paired with green hostas or ferns in the shade? —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 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