petunia

noun

pe·​tu·​nia pi-ˈtün-yə How to pronounce petunia (audio)
-ˈtyün-
: any of a genus (Petunia) of tropical South American herbs of the nightshade family that are commonly grown as annuals for their fragrant, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers

Illustration of petunia

Illustration of petunia

Examples of petunia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, Calibrachoa enjoys an advantage over petunia. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025 Here's why hummingbirds love petunias, and how to best grow these flowers to attract the birds, according to a gardening expert. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025 About This Episode Grumpy tells a reader how to get rid of the petunias taking over their yard. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 May 2025 In the center of the spacious courtyard, a trickling fountain provides a soothing soundtrack amid pots of fuchsia and purple petunias and pale blue hydrangeas. Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for petunia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from obsolete French petun tobacco, from Tupi petɨ́ma

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petunia was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Petunia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petunia. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

petunia

noun
pe·​tu·​nia pi-ˈt(y)ün-yə How to pronounce petunia (audio)
: any of a genus of tropical South American herbs of the nightshade family widely grown for their showy funnel-shaped flowers

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