hibiscus

American  

[hahy-bis-kuhs, hi-] / haɪˈbɪs kəs, hɪ- /

noun

hibiscuses plural

1. Also called China rose.  a woody plant, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, of the mallow family, having large, showy flowers: the state flower of Hawaii.

2. any of numerous other plants, shrubs, or trees of the genus Hibiscus, characterized by lobate or dentate leaves and usually profusely blooming flowers.

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hibiscus British  

/ haɪˈbɪskəs /

noun

1. any plant of the chiefly tropical and subtropical malvaceous genus Hibiscus, esp H. rosa-sinensis, cultivated for its large brightly coloured flowers

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• hibiscuses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of hibiscus

1700–10; < New Latin, Latin < Greek hibískos mallow

Example Sentences

The always-bustling neighborhood will turn up a notch when Ghanaians, Ivorians and Senegalese gather over jollof rice, tart bissap drinks made from hibiscus flowers and rich, shareable lamb and seafood dishes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

It’s meticulously organized perfection: Its various neighborhoods, gated communities, parks, and street are pristine and feature shallow lagoons and golf courses, palm trees and hibiscus, blue skies and backyard swimming pools.

From Slate • Dec. 18, 2025

Lori Feezor, of Preservation Point, brings us Cucuzza squash, micro tomatoes and different types of hibiscus.

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2024

As noted, this libation landed a gold medal at the inaugural High Spirits Awards, as did another flavor in the Fable stable; a blend of hibiscus, ginger and mint called Night Flight.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 3, 2023

I believe he knew that he was in his own bed, that his books and his notes and his small hibiscus plant were nearby.

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom