bonsai

noun

bon·​sai (ˌ)bōn-ˈsī 

ˈbōn-ˌsī, 

ˈbän-ˌsī 

also ˈbän-ˌzī

plural bonsai

: a potted plant (such as a tree) dwarfed (as by pruning) and trained to an artistic shape

also : the art of growing such a plant

Illustration of bonsai

Did you know?

This is a living dwarf tree. The word bonsai can also refer to the art of training and growing these dwarf plants in containers. Bonsai specimens are ordinary trees and shrubs, not hereditary dwarfs; they are dwarfed by a system of pruning roots and branches and training branches by tying them with wire. The art originated in China, but has been pursued and developed primarily by the Japanese. The inspiration for bonsai is found in nature, in trees that grow in harsh, rocky places, and are dwarfed and gnarled throughout their existence. Bonsai may live for a century or more and can be handed down from one generation to another. Bonsai pots, usually earthenware and of variable shape, are carefully chosen to harmonize in color and proportion with the tree. A sizable bonsai industry exists as part of the nursery industry in Japan. California is home to a small-scale bonsai industry.

Examples of bonsai in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix A tranquil slice of heaven with grey stones, glittering koi and green bonsai trees. —Trenesha Striggles, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026

Kojima, who is the founder of Tradman’s Bonsai, is a bonsai producer and artisan who reinterprets the centuries-old art of bonsai for a new generation. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Jan. 2026

Loropetalum tolerates heavy pruning to shape topiary, hedges, or bonsai. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025

Before French, there had been Tanjore painting, bonsai, orchids, and, for three unfortunate weeks, horseback riding. —Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, literally, tray planting

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bonsai

• apply
• awry
• belie
• bely
• bigeye
• buckeye
• comply
• coxae
• decry
• defy
• deny
• descry

Kids Definition

bonsai

noun

bon·​sai (ˈ)bōn-ˈsī  ˈbōn-ˌsī 

ˈbän-ˌsī

plural bonsai

: a miniature plant (as a tree) grown in a pot by special methods to restrict its growth

also : the art of growing such a plant

Etymology

Japanese