bougainvillea

noun

bou·​gain·​vil·​lea ˌbü-gən-ˈvil-yə 

ˌbō-, 

ˌbu̇-, 

-ˈvē-ə 

variants or less commonly bougainvillaea

: any of a genus (Bougainvillaea) of the four-o'clock family of ornamental tropical American woody vines and shrubs with brilliant purple or red floral bracts

Examples of bougainvillea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our bougainvillea is growing back from the base, but the upper stems all appear dead. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026

The best climbing vines, like vibrant pink bougainvillea, purple clematis, and fragrant honeysuckle, add color and scent to sturdy outdoor structures. —Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026

Inside, there is a four-poster bed, rain shower and tub, which was filled up for me with bubbles and fresh bougainvillea petals more than once during my stay. —Hollie Clemence, TheWeek, 27 Apr. 2026

Sidewalk flower boxes beckon with brilliant pink, purple and red petunias, and vibrant bougainvillea adorns the entryways of storefronts. —Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Louis Antoine de Bougainville

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bougainvillea

• achillea
• cilia