When most people think of bonsai, they picture a small potted tree. But a closer look at the word itself, which comes from the Japanese words for tray planting, reveals that it refers to an art that encompasses many types of miniature plants and trees. It can be used to describe any ornamental tree or shrub that is kept small by means other than genetics — for example, by planting it in a container and artificially preventing it from growing as large as it would in the wild. It can also refer to the precise art of growing these kinds of plants in containers under strict adherence to traditional rules of pruning and training.
It can even be applied to non-living objects — for example, a piece of moss or even a dead twig gathered from the garden. In this sense, it is often referred to simply as “bonsai.”
Whether used to refer to a specific type of plant or to the art of miniaturizing them, bonsai can be seen as an expression of beauty and refinement that can be enjoyed by anyone. It is a unique form of gardening that can help us slow down and appreciate the natural world around us.
Note: These usage examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage. They are not reviewed or approved by Merriam-Webster editors, but they reflect how our audience uses the word.
Brussel's Bonsai Brussel's Green Mound Juniper Bonsai in Zen Reflections Pot, SMALL
$28.12 (as of April 24, 2024 16:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Live Dwarf Australian Weeping Willow Bonsai Tree - Fast Growing, Indoor/Outdoor Bonsai Material
$13.95 (as of April 24, 2024 16:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
CUTPASTER Bonsai Cut Paste Tool 190g (Gray)
$14.80 (as of April 24, 2024 16:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brussel's Bonsai Live Golden Gate Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree - Small, 4 Years Old, 5 to 8 In - Live Bonsai Tree in Ceramic Bonsai Pot with Humidity Tray
$36.67 (as of April 24, 2024 16:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brussel's Bonsai Live Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree - Large, 14 Year, 14 to 20 inches Tall - Indoor Bonsai Tree Live with Ceramic Bonsai Pot
$84.64 (as of April 24, 2024 16:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brussel's Live Satsuki Azalea Outdoor Bonsai Tree - 5 Years Old; 6" to 8" Tall with Decorative Container
$24.97 (as of April 24, 2024 16:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bonsai Willow Tree Bundle - 3 Large Trunk Bonsai Tree Cuts - Get one Each Weeping, Australian, Dragon - Ready to Plant - Indoor/Outdoor Bonsai Tree's
$25.95 (as of April 24, 2024 16:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brussel's Bonsai CT9006CE Outdoor Bonsai Tree, Chinese Elm, MEDIUM, Green
$51.52 (as of April 24, 2024 16:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Costa Farms Ponytail Palm Bonsai, Easy to Grow Live Indoor Plant in Indoors Garden Planter Pot, Air Purifying Houseplant, Housewarming, Birthday Gift, Office, Home, and Room Décor, 1 Foot Tall
$54.00 (as of April 24, 2024 16:37 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)