hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbi-skəs 

hə-

: any of a large genus (Hibiscus) of herbs, shrubs, or small trees of the mallow family with large showy flowers and usually dentate leaves

Did you know?

There are about 250 species of shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants in the genus Hibiscus, which belongs to the mallow family. They are native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Several are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flowers. The tropical Chinese or Hawaiian hibiscus, which is also called China rose, has large, somewhat bell-shaped reddish blossoms. The East African hibiscus, a drooping shrub, is often grown in hanging baskets indoors.

Examples of hibiscus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the squarish garden bed by the house that was created by an angled walkway, there was a seedling fan palm tree — since removed — along with still-intact rose bushes and a hibiscus, along with a collection of smaller flowering plants. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

Look for the Psycho Monkey with Irish whiskey, Venezuelan rums, banana, mango, and chocolate mole bitters or the Tribal Council made with mezcal, ginger-hibiscus, lemon and dry vermouth ($12). —Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, a botanical blend of hibiscus flower, safflower, and sunflower oils helps make lashes look longer and denser over time. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 15 Feb. 2026

This can include plants such as hardy hibiscus, buddleia, wisteria, pervoskia, and rudbeckia, which are all examples of plants that emerge later in the spring, says Engel. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marshmallow

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hibiscus

• meniscus
• discus
• viscous
• viscus

Kids Definition

hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbis-kəs 

hə-

plural hibiscuses

: any of a large genus of herbs, shrubs, or small trees related to the mallow and having toothed leaves and large showy flowers