bonsai

[ bon-sahy, -zahy, bohn-, bon-sahy, -zahy, bohn- ]

noun

, plural bon·sai.

1. a tree or shrub that has been dwarfed, as by pruning the roots and pinching, and is grown in a pot or other container and trained to produce a desired shape or effect.
2. the art or hobby of developing and growing such a plant or plants.

bonsai

/ ˈbɒnsaɪ /

noun

1. the art of growing dwarfed ornamental varieties of trees or shrubs in small shallow pots or trays by selective pruning, etc
2. a tree or shrub grown by this method

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonsai¹

1945–50; < Japanese bon-sai tray planting < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese pén tray + zāi plant, shoot

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonsai¹

C20: Japanese: plant grown in a pot, from bon basin, bowl + sai to plant

Example Sentences

Ways of Going Home was a bit longer than Bonsai and The Private Lives of Trees but not by much.

From The Daily Beast

I read somewhere that at first you did not understand how Bonsai could be made into a film.

From The Daily Beast

In tough times, I figure a store that boasts the best bonsai clippers will be among the first to feel the pinch.

From The Daily Beast