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

The 108 rooms, suites, and villas are decorated in warm neutrals which draw your eyes outdoors toward the bright colors of the blue Aegean Sea, the green garden, and the vibrant pink bougainvilleas. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026

Pruning time for azaleas and camellias is over; continue to prune gardenias and bougainvillea. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Winding stone paths lined with bougainvillea and jasmine that invite you to get lost, especially after dark. — Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026

Behind the gazebo, tables covered in white linen were inserted among the purple bougainvillea covering the walls of the ancient residence. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 7 June 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