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

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

Much like a poinsettia, the actual flower is insignificant, but the surrounding 3 to 6 colorful bracts are spectacular. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 May 2025

The poinsettia is not simply a plant associated with Christmas. —Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024

To get this all-white look, think all things winter, like flocked Christmas trees, icy ornaments, mercury glass decor, and milky white poinsettias. —Miles Walls, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

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