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

A tapestry of philodendron, pothos and trailing peperomia varieties, for instance, creates a romantic backdrop for her bed.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2022

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 houseplant thrives in bright indirect light and, much like the philodendron Brasil, requires water when its foliage looks limp or the first inch or two of its soil dries out.

From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2021

You could hardly see the screen for the philodendron vines that dangled around the news pictures.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd