petunia

noun

pe·​tu·​nia pi-ˈtün-yə How to pronounce petunia (audio)
-ˈtyün-
: any of a genus (Petunia) of tropical South American herbs of the nightshade family that are commonly grown as annuals for their fragrant, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers

Illustration of petunia

Illustration of petunia

Examples of petunia 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.
Since petunias bloom frequently, the task is easiest if approached often. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2025 With their sticky foliage and stems, petunias have never been an enjoyable plant to deadhead. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025 Too much water, especially at the base of petunias, can cause rot problems. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025 Four regional 2025 Ornamental Winners well suited to the Northeast, include one petunia and 3 nasturtiums. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for petunia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from obsolete French petun tobacco, from Tupi petɨ́ma

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petunia was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Petunia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petunia. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

petunia

noun
pe·​tu·​nia pi-ˈt(y)ün-yə How to pronounce petunia (audio)
: any of a genus of tropical South American herbs of the nightshade family widely grown for their showy funnel-shaped flowers

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