hibiscus

[ hahy-bis-kuhs, hi- ]

noun

, plural hi·bis·cus·es.

1. Also called China rose. a woody plant, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, of the mallow family, having large, showy flowers: the state flower of Hawaii.
2. any of numerous other plants, shrubs, or trees of the genus Hibiscus, characterized by lobate or dentate leaves and usually profusely blooming flowers.

hibiscus

/ haɪˈbɪskəs /

noun

1. any plant of the chiefly tropical and subtropical malvaceous genus Hibiscus, esp H. rosa-sinensis, cultivated for its large brightly coloured flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibiscus¹

1700–10; < New Latin, Latin < Greek hibískos mallow

Word History and Origins

Origin of hibiscus¹

C18: from Latin, from Greek hibiskos marsh mallow

Example Sentences

Currently, I have cherries on my nails but before this, I had yellow French tips with hibiscus flowers for the summer.

From Salon

Their menu is seasonal, but they have this really tasty drink called the hibiscus margarita and they line it with Tajin.

From Los Angeles Times

Samir poured hibiscus tea from his tin kettle into two cups.

From Literature

Mark the location of perennials like butterfly weed and hardy hibiscus that emerge later than most plants in spring.

From Seattle Times

Other fellow mint lovers recommended brewing fresh sprigs of mint with various herbal teas, like chamomile, hibiscus, valerian and rooibos.

From Salon