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

He’s bungled two marriages and fathered three children, but those dear ones receive less attention in this story than you might shower on a philodendron.

From Washington Post • Aug. 9, 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

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

Because a philodendron plant my father had given her had withered and died, despite the fact that she watered it faithfully.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan