hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbi-skəs 

hə-

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

Did you know?

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

Key Ingredients: Baobab seed oil, hibiscus seed oil, desert date oil Finish: Matte How to apply: Swipe directly onto cheeks and lips, then blend with either your fingers or favorite complexion brush. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025

There’s also a divine course of shredded Belgian endive served atop a swirling spinach and hibiscus sauce. —Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2025

The eye cream targets the most sensitive area of the face using star ingredients like peptides, squalene, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, hibiscus, and of course, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. —Essence, 11 Feb. 2025

This applies to tropical landscape plants, such as hibiscus or mandevilla, as well as houseplants that were summering outdoors. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marshmallow

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hibiscus

• meniscus
• discus
• viscous
• viscus

Kids Definition

hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbis-kəs 

hə-

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