gloxinia

noun

glox·​in·​ia gläk-ˈsi-nē-ə How to pronounce gloxinia (audio)
1
: a Brazilian plant (Sinningia speciosa synonym Gloxinia speciosa) widely cultivated for its bell-shaped or slipper-shaped flowers
2
: any of a genus (Gloxinia) of tuberous herbaceous gesneriads found from Mexico to Argentina in which gloxinia was formerly placed

Illustration of gloxinia

Illustration of gloxinia

Examples of gloxinia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Colorful African violets, gloxinia, cyclamen, orchids, ornamental peppers and Christmas cactus are blooming and readily available. — oregonlive, 21 Dec. 2019 Don’t be concerned if gloxinia or cyclamen die down after blooming. — oregonlive, 21 Dec. 2019

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from B. P. Gloxin 18th century German botanist

First Known Use

circa 1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gloxinia was circa 1820

Rhymes for gloxinia

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Browse Nearby Words

glowworm
gloxinia
gloy
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Cite this Entry

“Gloxinia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gloxinia. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gloxinia

noun
glox·​in·​ia gläk-ˈsin-ē-ə How to pronounce gloxinia (audio)
: any of a genus of herbs related to the African violets
especially : one from Brazil often grown for its showy bell-shaped or slipper-shaped flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on gloxinia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gloxinia

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