monstera

American  

[mon-ster-uh] / ˈmɒn stər ə /

noun

1. any of various tropical American climbing plants belonging to the genus Monstera, of the arum family, especially M. deliciosa, having split or perforated leaves and often grown as a houseplant.

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monstera British  

/ mɒnˈstɪərə /

noun

1. any plant of the tropical climbing genus Monstera, some species of which are grown as greenhouse or pot plants for their unusual leathery perforated leaves: family Araceae. M. deliciosa is the Swiss cheese plant

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Etymology

Origin of monstera

< New Latin (1763), apparently irregular derivative of Latin mōnstrum monster; see -a ²

Example Sentences

At the height of summer some plants, like a monstera, can be watered two or three times a week.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

I find awe in the monstera leaves, often larger than my head, and make silent wishes on my favorite orange-and-black koi fish every time I visit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2024

A husky lies on the clean wood floor, a thriving monstera plant is perched in the corner, and snow falls lightly against the large panel windows.

From Slate • Sep. 2, 2023

From bushy eucalyptus fronds to bold and beautiful monstera leaves, greenery is more than just filler.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2023

On eBay this month, a five-leaf Thai constellation plant sold for $600 and a five-leaf cutting of a monstera albo went for $500.

From New York Times • Apr. 16, 2022