bougainvillea

American  

[boo-guhn-vil-ee-uh, -vil-yuh, boh-] / ˌbu gənˈvɪl i ə, -ˈvɪl yə, ˌboʊ- /

noun

1. any of several shrubs or vines of the genus Bougainvillea, native to South America, having small flowers with showy, variously colored bracts, and often cultivated in warm regions.

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bougainvillea British  

/ ˌbuːɡənˈvɪlɪə /

noun

1. any tropical woody nyctaginaceous widely cultivated climbing plant of the genus Bougainvillea , having inconspicuous flowers surrounded by showy red or purple bracts

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Etymology

Origin of bougainvillea

1789; < New Latin, named after L. A. de Bougainville

Example Sentences

Models wound around the room in tulle ball gowns and capes covered in bright Bougainvillea flowers, which contrasted in texture and colour with shimmery blue-toned dresses covered in embroidery.

From Reuters • Jan. 26, 2022

Peter Cohen, who lives in the Bougainvillea Townhomes complex, said Athens sent him an email saying that under the new system, his building would see nearly $700 per month in distance and access fees.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2017

Bougainvillea and trailing grapevines lead the way to the house from the road.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 4, 2016

Bougainvillea and hibiscus, canna lilies, four o’clocks, impatiens, zinnias.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 28, 2016

Stephanotis, passiflora, tuberose, alamanda, Bougainvillea, and other trailers of gorgeous colors, climb over everything, and make the night heavy with their odors.

From The Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither by Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)