coleus

noun

co·​le·​us ˈkō-lē-əs How to pronounce coleus (audio)
: 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 Impatiens, geranium, coleus, and begonias root easily in water, damp perlite, or seed starting mix, says Hancock. Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024 Pair dark coleus with brighter thrillers and spillers to create a stunning container garden. Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2024 However, exposure to frost is the end of the line for a coleus. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2024 Then replant with more rot-resistant coleus, caladiums, crotons or crossandra to add the color. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for coleus 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coleus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coleus was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near coleus

Cite this Entry

“Coleus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coleus. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

coleus

noun
co·​le·​us ˈkō-lē-əs How to pronounce coleus (audio)
: any of a large genus of herbs related to the mints and often grown for their leaves of various colors

More from Merriam-Webster on coleus

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