begonia

noun

be·​go·​nia bi-ˈgō-nyə How to pronounce begonia (audio)
: any of a large genus (Begonia of the family Begoniaceae, the begonia family) of tropical or subtropical herbs and shrubs that have asymmetrical leaves and are widely cultivated as ornamentals

Examples of begonia 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.
While some types of begonias will take full sun, almost all thrive in part shade. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 June 2025 Annuals to plant: bachelor buttons, begonias, calendula, celosia, cosmos, larkspur, marigold, nasturtium, pansies, petunias, primrose, snapdragons, statice, stock, sunflowers, sweet pea and zinnias A healthy plant that suddenly wilts and dies may be a victim of verticillium or fusarium wilt. Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025 The garden will replace delphiniums and carnations on display in the conservatory in late spring with begonias and zinnias in the summer, and chrysanthemums and asters in the fall. Jane L. Levere, New York Times, 20 May 2025 Marigolds, begonias, impatiens, and lobelia tend to work well. Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for begonia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Michel Bégon †1710 French governor of Santo Domingo

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of begonia was in 1751

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Cite this Entry

“Begonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/begonia. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

begonia

noun
be·​go·​nia bi-ˈgō-nyə How to pronounce begonia (audio)
: any of a large genus of tropical herbs often grown for their colorful leaves and bright waxy flowers

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