bonsai

[ bon-sahy, -zahy, bohn-, bon-sahy, -zahy, bohn- ]

noun

, plural bon·sai.

1. a tree or shrub that has been dwarfed, as by pruning the roots and pinching, and is grown in a pot or other container and trained to produce a desired shape or effect.
2. the art or hobby of developing and growing such a plant or plants.

bonsai

/ ˈbɒnsaɪ /

noun

1. the art of growing dwarfed ornamental varieties of trees or shrubs in small shallow pots or trays by selective pruning, etc
2. a tree or shrub grown by this method

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonsai¹

1945–50; < Japanese bon-sai tray planting < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese pén tray + zāi plant, shoot

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonsai¹

C20: Japanese: plant grown in a pot, from bon basin, bowl + sai to plant

Example Sentences

Besides, who could resist an animal that its owner calls the “bonsai tree of dogs”? It’s been all of two minutes and already there’s a lifetime bond.

From Los Angeles Times

Pacific Bonsai Museum inspires a closer look at nature through the living art of bonsai.

From Seattle Times

Another website, Bonsai Empire, lists bonsai clubs throughout the United States, some of which will accept bequeathed trees.

From Seattle Times

There's some bonsai and a lot of bowing.

From BBC

There they are at an exhibition of bonsai plants at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, or posing with visiting dignitaries from Kenya and Brunei, or presiding over the awarding of awards.

From New York Times