nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm 

na-

: any of a genus (Tropaeolum of the family Tropaeolaceae, the nasturtium family) of herbs of Central and South America with showy spurred flowers and pungent edible seeds and leaves

especially : either of two widely cultivated ornamentals (T. majus and T. minus)

Illustration of nasturtium

Examples of nasturtium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In late spring, after the last frost, plant nasturtiums as a ground cover between vegetable rows to serve as a trap crop and living mulch. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026

There’ll also be seasonal quesadillas with nasturtium and epazote, plus possibly ramps next spring. —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

Growing nasturtiums next to dahlias will keep this insect at bay. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026

Between her herbs and vegetables, McMahon tucks in flowers like cosmos and nasturtium. —Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, a cress

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm 

na-

: any of a genus of herbs with showy flowers and edible sharp-tasting seeds and leaves