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

Aphids and whiteflies will stay away when nasturtiums are present, while ladybugs will flock to them—and ladybugs will take care of any of the pests that make it past these blooms. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025

There are also a number of ornamental flowering annual plants that merit the potherb designation, and Calendula is usually the first on this list, accompanied by nasturtium and alyssum. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025

Fully ripe nasturtium seeds should be easy to dislodge from the plant. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025

The palate presents similar flavors with hints of allspice, spiced apples, and nasturtium. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

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