poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈse-tē-ə 

nonstandard pȯint-

nonstandard

-ˈse-tə 

: 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 Web

Red poinsettias from nearby Monticello are placed throughout the home. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025

If a poinsettia begins growing toward the light, rotate the plant a quarter turn to encourage strong, upright growth. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2025

Surround yourself with ferns of all shapes and sizes, from towering ferns to maidenhairs and seasonal poinsettias. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2025

Complete pruning of poinsettias, bougainvillea and wisteria by month’s end. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Joel R. Poinsett †1851 American diplomat

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

poinsettia

noun

poin·​set·​tia pȯin-ˈset-ē-ə  -ˈset-ə 

: a showy Mexican and Central American plant with large scarlet bracts that grow like petals about its small yellow flowers