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

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

“You can have such profound rage at the city and then be gobstopped at a giant feral bush of bougainvillea. And there’s someone sleeping underneath that bush. It’s all of it at once.”

From New York Times

Along with a white bike, the memorial is adorned with bougainvillea, a plaque with George’s name and a sign on a street pole.

From Los Angeles Times

The centerpiece of Anderson’s collection was a bold and surreal high-waisted silhouette, with pants in hues of camel, grey, brown, and black occasionally touched by vivid splashes of red, bougainvillea, and tangerine.

From Seattle Times