bromeliad

noun

bro·​me·​li·​ad brō-ˈmē-lē-ˌad How to pronounce bromeliad (audio)
: any of the chiefly tropical American usually epiphytic plants comprising the pineapple family and including Spanish moss and various ornamentals

Examples of bromeliad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Move orchids and bromeliads outdoors to a shady location. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2026 Flush out the centers of bromeliad plants growing in the ground. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026 Walk through the grounds and find bromeliads, begonias, hibiscus, and more. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 13 Feb. 2026 Orchids, hoa mai trees and bromeliads are popular blooms this time of year. Heather McRea, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bromeliad

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Bromelia, genus of tropical American plants, from Olaf Bromelius †1705 Swedish botanist

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bromeliad was in 1866

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bromeliad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bromeliad. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bromeliad

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster