hibiscus

noun

hi·​bis·​cus hī-ˈbi-skəs 

hə-

plural hibiscuses

: 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

Don’t forget to try their hibiscus lemonade and their bowl acevichado, a mix of roasted salmon ceviche, avocado, peppers, marinated in coconut cream and served with rice and plantain. — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

For beverages, guests could try wine and hibiscus mint tea from Taomi Tea n’ Treats, a venture by Tamika Jeanty, a first-generation, Haitian business owner whom Ordeus met through social media. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

The Fair View cocktail riffs on a Rome with a View by putting local hibiscus front and center. — Sonia Garza, Houston Chronicle, 30 Sep. 2026

Hardy Hibiscus Another plant my mom leaves alone in fall is her hardy hibiscus, which some gardeners may choose to cut back in fall. — Kate McKenna, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, marsh mallow

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hibiscus

• meniscus
• discus
• viscous

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