bonsai

noun bon·sai \ (ˌ)bōn-ˈsī , ˈbōn-ˌ , ˈbän-ˌ also ˈbän-ˌzī \

|Updated on: 25 May 2018

Definition of bonsai

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

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Recent Examples of bonsai from the Web

In the Walled Garden, Bonsai and Beyond members will be displaying a rich composition of (miniature) treasures from the plant world including bonsai, saikei, penjing, hon non bo, kusamono, terrariums, fairy gardens and hanging gardens.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Youth of the Year picked at Boys & Girls Club," 4 Apr. 2018
In this world, a book with a cover featuring one bonsai tree leaning lovingly toward another does not appear likely to find much of a place.

— mimi swartz, New York Times, "How Does Empathy Work? A Writer Explores the Science and Its Applications," 24 Apr. 2018
Vendors offer for sale interesting pots, trees, soil and tools to make your own bonsai.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "Bonsai show celebrates spring with miniature forest | The Sacramento Bee," 14 Apr. 2018
What do air plants, marimo moss balls, string gardens, bonsai and indoor herb gardens have in common, besides greenery?

— amy dewall dadmun, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Green house effect: Plants enhance life in tiny homes, apartments," 26 Jan. 2018
There also will be demonstrations and displays of traditional Japanese arts and traditions, including an Ikebana flower arrangement, a tea ceremony, origami, shodo calligraphy and bonsai.

— Houston Chronicle, "Family Fun: Art Car Parade and Houston Japan Festival," 11 Apr. 2018
Tables are intimately clustered together, some only separated by tea lights, a lovely selection of greenery (succulents, bonsai trees), and worldly trinkets.

— lilah ramzi, Vogue, "At Gem, Chef Flynn McGarry Serves a Can’t-Believe-It’s-Not-Meat Beet," 2 Apr. 2018
Making just as large an impression as one dramatic tree, but smaller in scale, is a miniature ornamental bonsai such as Japanese maple or juniper.

— amy dewall dadmun, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Green house effect: Plants enhance life in tiny homes, apartments," 26 Jan. 2018
Mature bonsai trees rest atop polished concrete and wood pedestals of different heights.

— Sunset, "Winning Ideas from the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival," 22 Jan. 2018

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

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.