petal

noun

pet·​al ˈpe-tᵊl 

: one of the modified often brightly colored leaves of the corolla of a flower see flower illustration

petaled adjective

or petalled

ˈpe-tᵊld 

petallike

ˈpe-tᵊl-ˌ(l)īk 

adjective

Examples of petal in a Sentence

flowers with pink and white petals

Recent Examples on the Web

By/Rosie Jane's Rosie Eau de Parfum takes a softer, more modern approach, pairing delicate rose petals with skin-like musk and a white amber base that adds a touch of warmth. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026

Now the players were clumps of broken petals on grass. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026

Endive petals dripping in vinaigrette. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 June 2026

Hibiscus flowers feel stand out from other popular florals with their signature five petals and elongated central stems (also known as stamens, by the way). — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin petalum, from Greek petalon; akin to Greek petannynai to spread out — more at fathom

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing petal

• banner petal
• standard petal

Rhymes for petal

• betel
• cetyl
• kettle
• metal
• mettle
• nettle
• setal
• settle
• acetyl
• bimetal
• gunmetal
• nonmetal

Kids Definition

petal

noun

pet·​al ˈpet-ᵊl 

: one of the often brightly colored modified leaves that make up the corolla of a flower

petaled adjective

or petalled

-ᵊld 

petallike

-ᵊl-ˌ(l)īk 

adjective