bougainvillea

[ boo-guhn-vil-ee-uh, -vil-yuh, boh- ]

noun

1. any of several shrubs or vines of the genus Bougainvillea, native to South America, having small flowers with showy, variously colored bracts, and often cultivated in warm regions.

bougainvillea

/ ˌbuːɡənˈvɪlɪə /

noun

1. any tropical woody nyctaginaceous widely cultivated climbing plant of the genus Bougainvillea , having inconspicuous flowers surrounded by showy red or purple bracts

Word History and Origins

Origin of bougainvillea¹

1789; < New Latin, named after L. A. de Bougainville

Word History and Origins

Origin of bougainvillea¹

C19: New Latin, named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville (1729–1811), French navigator

Example Sentences

“I usually go with the smaller vendors who buy from the smaller farms, because they give you the better deal,” he said, browsing for filler greens at one of his favorites — Eliseo Valle’s stall #15 at the Original Los Angeles Flower Market — which specializes in locally grown greens and fillers, such as stems of dried, almost translucent pink bougainvillea flowers.

From Los Angeles Times

What’s more, they’re often framed by colorful bougainvillea, fragrant jasmine and photogenic palm trees.

From Los Angeles Times

But those who really know L.A. can tell you it’s a pleasure to stroll through, replete with blooming bougainvillea, rich history and street vendors and shops.

From Los Angeles Times

The front of the building was covered in a flash of fuchsia bougainvillea, and the surrounding brick towers glowed with inviting warm windows and hints of crystal chandeliers.

From Los Angeles Times

The front of the building was covered in a flash of fuchsia bougainvillea, and the surrounding brick towers glowed with inviting warm windows and hints of crystal chandeliers.

From Los Angeles Times