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

Surround yourself with ferns of all shapes and sizes, from towering ferns to maidenhairs and seasonal poinsettias. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Dec. 2025

But pets who eat poinsettia flowers or leaves might develop drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

Changes In Temperature Low temperatures, cold drafts, and excessive heat can all cause poinsettia leaves to droop. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025

There are other eye-catching live indoor plants other than poinsettia that brighten up your living room or dining table. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 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