nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm How to pronounce nasturtium (audio)
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

Illustration of nasturtium

Examples of nasturtium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shepherd notes with pride that Renee’s Garden offers common flowers in multiple colors and forms, such as 16 different nasturtiums and 23 zinnia varieties, as well as specialty mixes such as pollinator mixes and others. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026 Sweet alyssum, allium, cilantro, nasturtium, beans, peas, and marigolds all help protect your crop from common potato pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle, aphids, and cutworms. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026 Plants like nasturtiums, chives, garlic, and catnip are powerful, recommends Carpenter. Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 6 Feb. 2026 According to an Instagram post by the popular bagel shop, a hot sea salt sesame bagel is getting adorned by oyster mushrooms, pumpkin bushi, black pepper, a savory rose fudge, nasturtium and bergamot. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nasturtium

Word History

Etymology

Latin, a cress

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nasturtium was in 1704

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nasturtium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nasturtium. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

nasturtium

noun
nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm How to pronounce nasturtium (audio)
na-
: any of a genus of herbs with showy flowers and edible sharp-tasting seeds and leaves

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