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

Head over for all the classics, plus some fun creations like chocolate peanut butter crunch, hibiscus pomegranate, and Fruity Pebbles. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025

Senegalese vendors sell hibiscus blossoms at Mercado Antón Martín while grocers stock spice blends beside Spanish grandmothers debating tomatoes. —AFAR Media, 11 Apr. 2025

Other fluids may promote urination or help dissolve stones, including hibiscus tea, wheatgrass juice, celery juice, lemon juice, or diluted apple cider vinegar. —Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025

Hibiscus Tea Hibiscus tea is a tart drink made from the hibiscus plant. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Mar. 2025

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