bloom

noun \ ˈblüm \

Updated on: 28 Feb 2018

Definition of bloom

1 : a mass of wrought iron from the forge or puddling furnace

2 : a bar of iron or steel hammered or rolled from an ingot

Origin and Etymology of bloom

Middle English blome lump of metal, from Old English blōma

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms

assay, bullion, ductile, ingot, malleable, patina, plate, temper, tensile

bloom

noun

Definition of bloom

plural blooms

1 a : blossom 1a, flower

b : the flowering state

the roses are in bloom

c : a period of flowering

the spring bloom

d (1) : a rapid and excessive growth of a plankton population (as of algae or dinoflagellates) — compare red tide

(2) : a large aggregation of free-swimming organisms : swarm

a jellyfish bloom

2 a : a state or time of beauty, freshness, and vigor

b : a state or time of high development or achievement

a career in full bloom

3 : a surface coating or appearance: such as

a : a delicate powdery coating on some fruits and leaves

b : a rosy appearance of the cheeks; broadly : an outward evidence of freshness or healthy vigor

c : a cloudiness on a film of varnish or lacquer

d : a grayish discoloration on chocolate

e : glare caused by an object reflecting too much light into a television camera

Origin and Etymology of bloom

Middle English blome, from Old Norse blōm; akin to Old English blōwan to blossom — more at blow

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Paints and Dyes Terms

craze, medium, size, vehicle

bloom

verb

Definition of bloom

intransitive verb

1 a : to produce or yield flowers

b : to support abundant plant life

make the desert bloom

2 a (1) : to mature into achievement of one's potential

(2) : to flourish in youthful beauty, freshness, or excellence

b : to shine out : glow

c : to become more apparent or fully expressed (as in flavor or aroma)

In all classic sauces and dressings, good oil is the base from which delectable flavors bloom.
—Renée Loux Underkoffler

3 : to appear or occur unexpectedly or in remarkable quantity or degree

4 : to become densely populated with microorganisms and especially plankton —used of bodies of water

transitive verb

1 obsolete : to cause to bloom

2 : to give bloom to

See bloom defined for English-language learners

Examples of bloom in a Sentence

flowers blooming in the garden
Their love was just beginning to bloom.

First Known Use of bloom

14th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

bloom Synonyms

Bloom

biographical name \ ˈblüm \

Definition of Bloom

Harold 1930– American literary critic

BLOOM Defined for English Language Learners

bloom

verb

Definition of bloom for English Language Learners

: to produce flowers
: to change, grow, or develop fully

BLOOM Defined for Kids

bloom

noun \ ˈblüm \

Definition of bloom for Students

1 : ¹flower 1

2 : the period or state of producing flowers

The bushes are in bloom.

3 : a condition or time of beauty, freshness, and strength

the bloom of youth

4 : the rosy color of the cheek

bloom

verb

Definition of bloom for Students

bloomed; blooming

1 : to produce flowers This tree blooms in the spring.

2 : to change, grow, or develop fully The children quickly bloomed.

Learn More about bloom

See words that rhyme with bloom Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bloom Spanish Central: Translation of bloom Nglish: Translation of bloom for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bloom for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up bloom? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

bloom

Definition of bloom

Origin and Etymology of bloom

Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms

bloom

Definition of bloom

Origin and Etymology of bloom

Other Paints and Dyes Terms

bloom

Definition of bloom

Examples of bloom in a Sentence

First Known Use of bloom

bloom Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Bloom

Definition of Bloom

Phrases Related to BLOOM

Related Phrases

BLOOM Defined for English Language Learners

bloom

Definition of bloom for English Language Learners

BLOOM Defined for Kids

bloom

Definition of bloom for Students

bloom

Definition of bloom for Students

Learn More about bloom

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes