bonsai

American  

[bahn-zahy, bahn-zahy, bohn-, -sahy] / ˈbɑn zaɪ, bɑnˈzaɪ, boʊn-, -saɪ /

noun

PLURAL

bonsai

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.

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bonsai British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of bonsai

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

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

Offering educational public programs and free admission, we encourage everyone to experience the powerful presence 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