poinsettia

noun poin·set·tia \ pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə , nonstandard pȯint- , nonstandard -ˈse-tə \

|Updated on: 17 Jul 2018

Definition of poinsettia

: 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

See poinsettia defined for English-language learners

See poinsettia defined for kids

Recent Examples of poinsettia from the Web

Trim back 4 to 6 inches of new poinsettia growth to keep the plants compact.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "June in the garden," 26 May 2018
There are the same leggy poinsettia and the same trees of pink and yellow hibiscus.

— alice bolin, Los Angeles Magazine, "What People Should Read About L.A. Before They Move to L.A.," 26 June 2018
The poinsettia’s family, the euphorbias, exude an irritating latex-like fluid.

— kenneth setzer, miamiherald, "Some of South Florida's most popular plants may be toxic to pets," 14 June 2018
Plant Easter lilies and poinsettias in the landscape.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "May in the garden," 28 Apr. 2018
One tradition claims the five slits represent Jesus’ wounds and the markings represent the Christmas star on one side and a poinsettia on the other.

— susan moeller, BostonGlobe.com, "A beachcombing guide: Things to find at the beach," 2 May 2018
Repot or add holiday poinsettias to the landscape; give all a spring trimming.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "April in the garden," 31 Mar. 2018
Situated on a cleared bluff, the two-story wooden and glass-sided lodge was surrounded by flowering plants—poinsettias, anthuriums, heliconias, and ferns—and had a breathtaking view over the descending hills to the sea.

— jon lee anderson, Condé Nast Traveler, "Stepping Beyond Cartagena: Exploring Colombia's Northern Reaches," 21 Mar. 2018
The workers that worked in the greenhouses grew poinsettias for the soldiers at Christmas time.

— clarence hill, star-telegram, "Jerry Jones: Mavs issues, others have Cowboys more attuned to workplace culture | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 3 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'poinsettia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.