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
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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
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In addition to strengthening the skin, the firming complex also helps to hydrate and plump the skin with hibiscus peptides, collage, and hyaluronic acid.
—
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Given the collection's tropical theme, this particular iteration features notes of pineapple, guava, hibiscus, and other island aromas.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026
Our choice today is raspberry hibiscus.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
My hibiscus bush lost all its leaves during the cold.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
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Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Given the collection's tropical theme, this particular iteration features notes of pineapple, guava, hibiscus, and other island aromas.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026
Our choice today is raspberry hibiscus.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
My hibiscus bush lost all its leaves during the cold.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hibiscus
Cite this Entry
“Hibiscus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hibiscus. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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