: 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
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Annuals to pinch back include amaranthus, branching sunflowers, cosmos, dahlias, snapdragons, zinnias, marigolds, impatiens, salvia, coleus, verbena, and petunias.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
Combine these voluminous spillers with other shade lovers like begonias or coleus and structural cordyline for a dramatic contrasting effect.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 14 May 2026
Plants include Canna 'Australis', reddish orange New Guinea impatiens, purple petunia, Ipomea, Angelonia, cleome, coleus, Scaevola, lantana, kangaroo paws, Algerian ivy, and croton.
—Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026
In the brightest light, a sunroom, perhaps, a room with lots of direct sunlight, croton, geraniums, coleus, kalanchoes, hibiscus, ponytail palms, and aloes all will be happy.
—Becky Wern, Florida Times-Union, 3 Mar. 2026
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Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
Combine these voluminous spillers with other shade lovers like begonias or coleus and structural cordyline for a dramatic contrasting effect.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 14 May 2026
Plants include Canna 'Australis', reddish orange New Guinea impatiens, purple petunia, Ipomea, Angelonia, cleome, coleus, Scaevola, lantana, kangaroo paws, Algerian ivy, and croton.
—Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026
In the brightest light, a sunroom, perhaps, a room with lots of direct sunlight, croton, geraniums, coleus, kalanchoes, hibiscus, ponytail palms, and aloes all will be happy.
—Becky Wern, Florida Times-Union, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coleus
Cite this Entry
“Coleus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coleus. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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