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

The garden will replace delphiniums and carnations on display in the conservatory in late spring with begonias and zinnias in the summer, and chrysanthemums and asters in the fall. —Jane L. Levere, New York Times, 20 May 2025

Marigolds, begonias, impatiens, and lobelia tend to work well. —Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025

Some begonias are annuals, others perennials so always read the care tags but all prefer full to partial shade. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025

In one grouping, big-leaf elephant ears, specimen begonias, and amaryllises (whose deep green foliage looks great even without flowers) mingle with outdoor plants like Hakone grass, coral bells, and ferns. —Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 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