: any of several spurges (genus Euphorbia) with flower clusters subtended by showy involucral bracts
especially: a showy Mexican and Central American plant (E. pulcherrima) with tapering usually scarlet bracts that suggest petals and surround small yellow flowers
Illustration of poinsettia
Examples of poinsettia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebOur poinsettia from over a year ago is in the ground and now about four feet tall.—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2024 Remove 4 to 6 inches of new growth from poinsettias to encourage compact growth
63.—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2024 The initiative offers poinsettia owners a convenient and impactful way to divert the popular winter plants from landfills.—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2024 The altar is surrounded by candles, a baby Jesus statue, roses and poinsettias lit by thousands of tiny red, green and white lights, the colors of the Mexican flag.—J. Emilio Flores, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for poinsettia
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poinsettia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Joel R. Poinsett †1851 American diplomat
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