croton

noun

cro·​ton ˈkrō-tᵊn 

1

: any of a genus (Croton) of herbs, shrubs, and trees of the spurge family: such as

a

: one (C. eluteria) of the Bahamas yielding cascarilla bark

b

: an Asian plant (C. tiglium) yielding croton oil

2

: any of a genus (Codiaeum) of shrubs and trees related to the crotons

Examples of croton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sculptural Oakleaf croton stands out as the upright element, surrounded by Sonic Hot Rose on Gold New Guinea impatiens, 'Karen' Rieger begonias, Heuchera villosa 'Citronelle', 'Sweet Caroline Bronze' sweet potato vine, and 'Sundew Springs' Lysimachia. —Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026

Shade-Loving Bromeliads This combination of red bromeliads, yellow creeping Jenny, crotons, and pitcher plants will transport you to more tropical climes. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026

This is especially true for finicky houseplants like fiddle leaf figs and crotons, which are known to suddenly lose their leaves after being moved to a new place or receiving a sudden change in care. —Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026

Regretfully, some plants damaged the most were the colorful dwarf schefflera, crotons, ti plants and similar. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek krotōn castor-oil plant

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing croton

• croton oil

Rhymes for croton

• oaten
• multiphoton

Medical Definition

croton

noun

cro·​ton ˈkrōt-ᵊn 

1

capitalized : a genus of herbs and shrubs of the spurge family

2

: an herb or shrub of the genus Croton: as

a

: one (C. eluteria) of the Bahamas yielding cascarilla bark

b

: an Asian plant (C. tiglium) yielding croton oil

Geographical Definition

Croton

geographical name

Cro·​ton ˈkrō-tᵊn 

1

river 60 miles (95 kilometers) long in southeastern New York flowing into the Hudson River

2

see crotone