philodendron

American  

[fil-uh-den-druhn] / ˌfɪl əˈdɛn drən /

noun

1. a tropical American climbing plant belonging to the genus Philodendron, of the arum family, usually having smooth, shiny, evergreen leaves, often used as an ornamental houseplant.

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philodendron British  

/ ˌfɪləˈdɛndrən /

noun

1. any aroid evergreen climbing plant of the tropical American genus Philodendron: cultivated as house plants

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Etymology

Origin of philodendron

1875–80; < New Latin < Greek, noun use of neuter of philódendros fond of trees, in reference to its climbing habit. See philo-, -dendron

Example Sentences

On another occasion, I bought a philodendron that has since taken over my home, “Jumanji”-style.

From New York Times • Jul. 29, 2023

So yes, I love a good pothos, I love a good mother-in-law’s tongue, I love a good ZZ plant, a philodendron.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2021

The philodendron Brasil’s heart-shaped leaves have bright, lime-green streaks and long, meandering tendrils, which make it ideal for hanging or placing on a shelf.

From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2021

She does own one prize — last year, she traded a 6-foot-tall cactus for a single rooted pink princess philodendron leaf.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 1, 2021

Joey loves plants, so she fills her room with them— potted plants sit on the windowsill, ivy and philodendron overflow from hanging pots.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly