bluet

noun

blu·​et ˈblü-ət How to pronounce bluet (audio)
: any of several perennial North American herbs (genus Houstonia) of the madder family
especially : one (Houstonia caerulea) having tufted stems and bluish, white, or purplish flowers with yellow centers

Examples of bluet 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.
Two familiar bluet damselflies, not even an inch long, hovered above one of the leaves. Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025 Beware, perennial bachelor's button also goes by names like mountain bluet, corn flower, and basket flower, but all are bad news. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2022 Her favorite species in southeastern Wisconsin are the double-striped bluet damselfly and widow skimmer dragonfly. Jennifer Rude Klett, Journal Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2022 The remains of an old CCC latrine stand amid a meadow of tiny, violet flowers called bluets. Sarah Kaplan, chicagotribune.com, 11 Sep. 2019 There are Johnny-jump-ups and spring beauties and little bluets. David Grann, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

probably from blue entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bluet was circa 1821

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Cite this Entry

“Bluet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bluet. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

bluet

noun
blu·​et ˈblü-ət How to pronounce bluet (audio)
: a low North American herb bearing small bluish or white flowers
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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