poinsettia

poin·set·tia | \ pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə

, nonstandard pȯint-, nonstandard -ˈse-tə

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

Examples of poinsettia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Decorate a red and green tree with a combination of the poinsettia and holly lights, or use green and white bulbs to accent a few red cardinal lights. — Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, "This Pretty Ceramic Christmas Tree Was Made for Cardinal Lovers," 28 Aug. 2020 On a table in an adjacent space, a crowd of full-grown deer-horn mushrooms, potted and wrapped in cellophane, might have been cousins to Christmas poinsettias. — Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, "How South Korea Is Composting Its Way to Sustainability," 2 Mar. 2020 From peace lilies to poinsettias during winter, plant enthusiasts can decorate their outdoor garden and indoor space. — Jessica Wetzler, Washington Post, "Small Virginia town’s nursery amasses social media fanbase," 8 Feb. 2020 Orchids and poinsettias won’t survive a winter outdoors, but a Christmas rose will, if it is slowly conditioned to the elements. — Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, "The hellebore: Popular, early and now in a dazzling variety," 15 Jan. 2020 About 10,000 poinsettias and 10,000 cyclamen are installed around the resort. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "The Secret Way Disneyland Transforms Into "the Merriest Place on Earth" for Christmas," 1 Dec. 2019 The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star then showed the walkway leading inside Kourtney's house, which was bordered with red poinsettias before guests were greeted by her unconventional Christmas tree, hung upside down. — Natasha Reda, Glamour, "The Kardashians Annual Christmas Eve Party Was as Over-the-Top as Ever," 25 Dec. 2019 Return to tradition with classic lights, ornaments and decorations of the holiday season, and several varieties of poinsettias. — Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A listing of home and garden events for the Milwaukee area (Winter 2020 edition)," 17 Dec. 2019 Not all Euphorbiaceae are succulent; poinsettia is one that’s not. — NBC News, "Kill all your plants? These low-maintenance options require minimal watering," 14 Jan. 2020

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.