begonia

American  

[bih-gohn-yuh, -goh-nee-uh] / bɪˈgoʊn yə, -ˈgoʊ ni ə /

noun

1. any tropical plant belonging to the genus Begonia, including species cultivated for the handsome, succulent leaves and waxy flowers.

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begonia British  

/ bɪˈɡəʊnjə /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Begonia , of warm and tropical regions, widely cultivated for their ornamental leaves and waxy flowers: family Begoniaceae

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Etymology

Origin of begonia

< New Latin (Linnaeus), named after Michel Bégon (1638–1710), French patron of science; -ia

Example Sentences

One entry describes begonia as “a deep pink that is bluer, lighter, and stronger than average coral . . . and bluer and stronger than sweet william—called also gaiety.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“Oh—there’s a nursery just down the highway. They had the most gorgeous begonias, and they let me have a cutting. I went during my lunch break.”

From Literature

Grandmother’s Garden Art: Any work that would be just at home nestled into a patch of begonias as it would in a prominent public place.

From The Wall Street Journal

My bouquet was of three waxy begonias, pink to match my dress, which is right for my coloring.

From Literature

If you’re ready for a break from the usual begonias and impatiens, try a few of these flamboyant annuals and tender perennials: ● Petunia integrifolia: A cascading petunia with little violet flowers.

From Seattle Times