flourish

²flourish

noun

Definition of FLOURISH

1

: an act or instance of brandishing or waving

2

a : a florid bit of speech or writing <rhetorical flourishes> b : an ornamental stroke in writing or printing c : a decorative or finishing detail <a house with clever little flourishes>

3

: fanfare

4

a : a period of thriving b : a luxuriant growth or profusion <a flourish of white hair> <a springtime flourish of color>

5

: showiness in the doing of something <opened the door with a flourish>

6

: a sudden burst <a flourish of activity>

Examples of FLOURISH

1. the floral flourishes in the living room
2. a house with many clever little flourishes
3. Her writing style is simple and clear, without unnecessary flourishes.
4. Dinner was served with a flourish.
5. He waved his sword with a flourish.
6. She opened the door with a flourish.
7. With a flourish of her pen, she signed the bill into law.

First Known Use of FLOURISH

circa 1552