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

The potential design traps in a place like Hawaii are often hard to avoid–the bright hibiscus prints, the surf photos; decor can approach kitsch in the blink of an eye. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

If lowering blood pressure is your immediate goal, hibiscus tea may be a good place to start. —Caitlin Beale, Health, 20 Jan. 2026

At the back, a mural of a volcano looming across the horizon helped make the space feel even more Hawaiian – as did the collections of bright regalia, some with hibiscus prints, and dancing gear lining the walls. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026

The formula feels plush and hydrating, thanks to botanical extracts like iris, wild pansy, hibiscus, and nasturtium. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 14 Jan. 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