1 impatiens | Definition of impatiens
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impatiens

noun
im·​pa·​tiens | \ im-ˈpā-shənz How to pronounce impatiens (audio) , -shən(t)s\

Definition of impatiens

: any of a widely distributed genus (Impatiens of the family Balsaminaceae) of annual or perennial herbs with irregular spurred or saccate flowers and forcefully dehiscent capsules — compare touch-me-not

Examples of impatiens in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Geraniums, petunias, New Guinea impatiens and mixed baskets are among the varieties expected to be available. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Colchester Edition," 8 May 2018 Then pick some of the shorter growing but colorful plants including angelonia, begonias, crossandra, impatiens, marigolds, pentas, salvia, torenia and zinnias for the summer months. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "How to make your own summer cutting garden," 1 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impatiens.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of impatiens

1785, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for impatiens

New Latin, from Latin, impatient

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More from Merriam-Webster on impatiens

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with impatiens

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about impatiens

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