petunia

noun

pe·​tu·​nia pi-ˈtün-yə 

-ˈtyün-

: any of a genus (Petunia) of tropical South American herbs of the nightshade family that are commonly grown as annuals for their fragrant, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers

Illustration of petunia

Examples of petunia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hanging baskets brimming with geraniums, begonias, petunias, and other summertime favorites can liven up front porches, patios, and balconies with fantastic color. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026

Named for their prolific blooms, million bells look like tiny petunias that trail and spill over container edges and hanging baskets. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Don’t water your petunias’ leaves. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 27 June 2026

Deadheading petunias stimulates fuller, bushier growth and constant blooms, says Funk. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 24 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from obsolete French petun tobacco, from Tupi petɨ́ma

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for petunia

• dyspareunia

Kids Definition

petunia

noun

pe·​tu·​nia pi-ˈt(y)ün-yə 

: any of a genus of tropical South American herbs of the nightshade family widely grown for their showy funnel-shaped flowers