begonia

American  

[bih-gohn-yuh, -goh-nee-uh] / bɪˈgoʊn yə, -ˈgoʊ ni ə /

noun

1. any tropical plant belonging to the genus Begonia, including species cultivated for the handsome, succulent leaves and waxy flowers.

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begonia British  

/ bɪˈɡəʊnjə /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Begonia , of warm and tropical regions, widely cultivated for their ornamental leaves and waxy flowers: family Begoniaceae

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Etymology

Origin of begonia

< New Latin (Linnaeus), named after Michel Bégon (1638–1710), French patron of science; -ia

Example Sentences

Grandmother’s Garden Art: Any work that would be just at home nestled into a patch of begonias as it would in a prominent public place.

From The Wall Street Journal

My bouquet was of three waxy begonias, pink to match my dress, which is right for my coloring.

From Literature

If you’re ready for a break from the usual begonias and impatiens, try a few of these flamboyant annuals and tender perennials: ● Petunia integrifolia: A cascading petunia with little violet flowers.

From Seattle Times

Department of Agriculture figures show that wholesale revenue for the flowers last year topped $50.6 million, putting them just behind begonias and pansies.

From Los Angeles Times

Surely I could find some monsteras, begonias and birds of paradise in sunny California.

From Los Angeles Times