-ˈsha(a)rən, -ˈsher-, -ˈshār- noun
Usage: usually capitalized S
Etymology: Plain of Sharon, coastal plain in western Palestine
1. : a showy flowering plant mentioned in the Bible and commonly considered to have been a tulip, narcissus, or meadow saffron
2. : a Eurasian St.-John's-wort ( Hypericum calycinum ) often cultivated for its large yellow flowers
3. : a commonly cultivated Asiatic shrub or small shrubby tree ( Hibiscus syriacus ) having mostly 3-lobed leaves and showy bell-shaped rose, purple, or white flowers