hibiscus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequencyStandard, formal and technical (botany).
Quick answer
What does “hibiscus” mean?
A tropical plant with large, brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical plant with large, brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers.
The flower of this plant, often used as an ornamental plant, in teas, or as a natural dye.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences; the word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Associated with tropical/subtropical climates, gardens, and herbal tea. Neutral in both.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects; slightly more common in American English due to regions like Florida and Hawaii where the plant is widespread.
Grammar
How to Use “hibiscus” in a Sentence
the hibiscus (is/are)a hibiscus (flower/plant)hibiscus teaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hibiscus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The garden had a lovely hibiscus border.
American English
- She bought hibiscus-patterned fabric for the curtains.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; possible in contexts of herbal tea, cosmetics, or horticulture.
Academic
Used in botanical, agricultural, or pharmacological texts.
Everyday
Used in gardening, cooking (tea), or describing a plant/flower.
Technical
Used as a genus name (Hibiscus) in botany, with numerous species names.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hibiscus”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hibiscus”
- Spelling: 'hibiscus' (correct) vs. 'hibiscas', 'hibiscis'.
- Pronunciation: Placing stress on the first syllable ('HIB-iscus').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Hibiscus is almost exclusively used as a noun (e.g., 'a hibiscus', 'the hibiscus plant'). It is very rarely used attributively as an adjective (e.g., 'hibiscus tea').
In British English, it's /hɪˈbɪskəs/ (hi-BIS-kus). In American English, the first vowel can be /haɪ/ (high-BIS-kus) or /hɪ/ (hi-BIS-kus). The stress is always on the second syllable.
Hibiscus tea is typically made from the dried calyces (the sepals) of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, not the showy petals.
Yes, certain species are edible. The calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa are used for tea, jams, and sauces. The flowers of some species are also used as garnishes or in salads.
A tropical plant with large, brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Hibiscus is usually standard, formal and technical (botany). in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Hi, Biscus!' Imagine a friendly person named 'Biscus' wearing a big, colourful hibiscus flower on their shirt.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'hibiscus' most commonly associated with?