: 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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Plants include Canna 'Australis', reddish orange New Guinea impatiens, purple petunia, Ipomea, Angelonia, cleome, coleus, Scaevola, lantana, kangaroo paws, Algerian ivy, and croton.
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Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026
Many ferns, begonias, hostas, coleus, and leopard plant can all be grown in deep shade.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Hostas, caladiums and coleus all add seasonal form and color.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 6 Mar. 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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Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026
Many ferns, begonias, hostas, coleus, and leopard plant can all be grown in deep shade.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Hostas, caladiums and coleus all add seasonal form and color.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 6 Mar. 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 26 Apr. 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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