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

Hadid accessorized with reflective shield sunglasses, layered necklaces, and a pink hibiscus blossom in her hair. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026

Research shows that beetroot nitrates and hibiscus tea may modestly lower systolic blood pressure when consumed regularly. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 11 Mar. 2026

Our choice today is blueberry hibiscus. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 11 Mar. 2026

The spa Dubbed Lola’s Sanctuary, the spa, with its open-air cabanas or indoor treatment rooms, is reached by walking through an herb garden populated with lemongrass, hibiscus, and pandan. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marshmallow

First Known Use

1573, 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