flourish
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1flour·ish
verb \ˈflər-ish, ˈflə-rish\Definition of FLOURISH
intransitive verb
1
: to grow luxuriantly : thrive
2
a : to achieve success : prosper <a flourishing business> b : to be in a state of activity or production <flourished around 1850> c : to reach a height of development or influence
3
: to make bold and sweeping gestures
transitive verb
: to wield with dramatic gestures : brandish
— flour·ish·er noun
— flour·ish·ing·ly \-i-shiŋ-lē\ adverb
See Examples of FLOURISH
- plants and animals that flourished here thousands of years ago
- Regional markets have flourished in recent years.
- a decorative style that flourished in the 1920s
- Dressed as a pirate, he entered the stage flourishing his sword.
Origin of FLOURISH
Middle English florisshen, from Anglo-French fluriss-, stem of flurir, florir, from Vulgar Latin *florire, alteration of Latin florēre, from flor-, flos flower
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to FLOURISH
2flourish
nounDefinition 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
- the floral flourishes in the living room
- a house with many clever little flourishes
- Her writing style is simple and clear, without unnecessary flourishes.
- Dinner was served with a flourish.
- He waved his sword with a flourish.
- She opened the door with a flourish.
- With a flourish of her pen, she signed the bill into law.
First Known Use of FLOURISH
circa 1552
Learn More About FLOURISH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: flourishy
Previous Word in the Dictionary: flour gravy
All Words Near: flourish
Previous Word in the Dictionary: flour gravy
All Words Near: flourish
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up flourish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
