Illustration of petunia
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
Examples of petunia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hummingbirds are drawn to red flowers, so planting petunias, salvia and hibiscus around your home and garden can help attract them.
—
Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Mar. 2026
Hang a trio of baskets with petunias in various colors at different heights to create a floriferous chandelier above a porch table.
—Johanna Silver, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
While petunias can take the heat in much of the region, people who are gardening in the Coastal and Tropical South (Zones 9 through 11) or who just want something sturdier should trade them for SunPatiens, which thrive in hot, sunny environments.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Many summer-flowering plants fall into this category: marigolds, impatiens, petunias, zinnias, and cornflowers.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for petunia
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Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Mar. 2026
Hang a trio of baskets with petunias in various colors at different heights to create a floriferous chandelier above a porch table.
—Johanna Silver, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
While petunias can take the heat in much of the region, people who are gardening in the Coastal and Tropical South (Zones 9 through 11) or who just want something sturdier should trade them for SunPatiens, which thrive in hot, sunny environments.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Many summer-flowering plants fall into this category: marigolds, impatiens, petunias, zinnias, and cornflowers.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for petunia
Cite this Entry
“Petunia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petunia. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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