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

Two additional selections to consider for your bed are coleus and caladiums. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

While Stewart used a variety of succulents, other common fillers are coleus, heuchera, lantana, dusty miller, and philodendrons. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2026

Remove flowers from plants such as coleus that are grown for their foliage. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

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

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