coleus

noun

co·​le·​us ˈkō-lē-əs 

: any of a large genus (Coleus) of Old World herbs of the mint family including ones cultivated for their colorful foliage

Examples of coleus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Surveillance footage shows the woman drive up to the front of the shop and pull all four coleus plants from their planters with her hands. — Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

There are many varieties of coleus, and some can handle sun and heat better than others. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Traditionally, coleus was a shade-only plant, but newer varieties do fine in full sunshine. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026

The trick to rooting coleus is to keep the cuttings moist and surrounded by clear plastic in a shady area. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek koleos, koleon sheath

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for coleus

• soleus

Kids Definition

coleus

noun

co·​le·​us ˈkō-lē-əs 

: any of a large genus of herbs related to the mints and often grown for their leaves of various colors