plural hibiscuses
: any of a large genus (Hibiscus) of herbs, shrubs, or small trees of the mallow family with large showy flowers and usually dentate leaves

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There are about 250 species of shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants in the genus Hibiscus, which belongs to the mallow family. They are native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Several are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flowers. The tropical Chinese or Hawaiian hibiscus, which is also called China rose, has large, somewhat bell-shaped reddish blossoms. The East African hibiscus, a drooping shrub, is often grown in hanging baskets indoors.

Examples of hibiscus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Creative cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages will be offered at Sinners Club Juke, such as the Prohibition Punch, a mix of whiskey, lemonade, honey and orange bitters with a blackberry hibiscus float and lemon wheel. Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Agave, corn, and jamaica (hibiscus) flavor the house coffees, teas, and other drinks, nodding to heritage flavors. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 The museum said a few people have reached out, offering hibiscus plant donations. Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 Everyone has their own terrace, prettily planted with bougainvillaea and hibiscus, with a barbecue, sun beds, and hot tub or swimming pool. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hibiscus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marsh mallow

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hibiscus was in 1573

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Cite this Entry

“Hibiscus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hibiscus. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

hibiscus

noun
plural hibiscuses
: any of a large genus of herbs, shrubs, or small trees related to the mallow and having toothed leaves and large showy flowers

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