mimosa

American  

[mi-moh-suh, -zuh] / mɪˈmoʊ sə, -zə /

noun

1. any of numerous plants, shrubs, or trees belonging to the genus Mimosa, of the legume family, native to tropical or warm regions, having small flowers in globular heads or cylindrical spikes and often sensitive leaves.

2. any of various similar or related plants, especially of the genus Acacia, as the silver wattle, or Albizzia, as the silk tree.

3. a cocktail of orange juice and champagne, usually in equal parts.

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mimosa British  

/ mɪˈməʊsə, -zə /

noun

1. any tropical shrub or tree of the leguminous genus Mimosa, having ball-like clusters of yellow or pink flowers and compound leaves that are often sensitive to touch or light See also sensitive plant

2. any similar or related tree

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Etymology

Origin of mimosa

1695–1705; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin mīm ( us ) mime + -ōsa, feminine of -ōsus -ose ¹

Example Sentences

“In as little as one mimosa, you could switch,” T-Mobile’s chief operating officer, Jon Freier, said in a promotional video.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 14, 2025

The event will be co-hosted by radio personality Shellie Hart and drag queen Gaysha Starr and feature a mimosa and beer garden and music from DJ Puma.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2024

In Italy, IWD is called Festa della Donna, and mimosa blossoms are a popular gift.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2024

Not to be outdone, wives of four USC football coaches set up a mimosa bar to celebrate the occasion on that early June evening.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2023

My boy grew into a man, my girl into her long, slender body like the blossoming mimosa at the end of the drive.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez