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

Only at the start of April do these flowers begin to unfurl in delicate clusters, their petals heavy with dew and a sweet, cloying scent. —Amelia Dhuga, Vogue, 25 May 2026

There’s a key image in the game, of a ginkgo tree planted near the town center, and one plot point hinges on waiting for its petals to fall. —Alex James Kane, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Gray square-toed heels were added to Erivo’s special ensemble, and a hat by milliner Stephen Jones, featuring a small floral motif with orange petals, completed her attire. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 May 2026

The dials are all adorned with a railway minute track that curves around every petal to accentuate the flower’s form. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 May 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