impatiens

American  

[im-pey-shuhnz] / ɪmˈpeɪ ʃənz /

noun

plural

impatiens

1. any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Impatiens, of the balsam family, having irregular flowers in which the calyx and corolla are not clearly distinguishable and bearing fruit that bursts open to scatter the seeds.

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impatiens British  

/ ɪmˈpeɪʃɪˌɛnz /

noun

1. any balsaminaceous plant of the genus Impatiens, such as balsam, touch-me-not, busy Lizzie, and policeman's helmet

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Etymology

Origin of impatiens

1880–85; < New Latin, Latin impatiēns not enduring, not tolerating ( impatient ); alluding to the plant's quick release of seeds upon slight contact; compare the familiar name touch-me-not

Example Sentences

“Our founders, Evelyn and Bob Weidner, specialized in growing begonias, then fuchsias and impatiens and on from there. We’re a full-service nursery; we also sell fruit trees and vegetables. But our specialty is flowers.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

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 • Apr. 29, 2023

Some flowers bloom in shadow — impatiens, fuchsias — and maybe G. is asking for some shadow, for some benign neglect.

From New York Times • Dec. 17, 2019

She and Mia planted flowers such as red impatiens and yellow snapdragons in a plot in a local park.

From Washington Post • Aug. 17, 2018

Abuela and Lolo plant new beds of impatiens to last for the winter.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina