blossom

1 of 2

noun

blos·​som ˈblä-səm 

1

a

: the flower of a seed plant

apple blossoms

also : the mass of such flowers on a single plant

b

: the state of bearing flowers

2

: a peak period or stage of development

blossomy

ˈblä-sə-mē 

adjective

blossom

2 of 2

verb

blossomed; blossoming; blossoms

intransitive verb

1

: bloom

2

a

: to come into one's own : develop

a blossoming talent

b

: to become evident

c

: to make an appearance

Synonyms

Noun

• bloom
• florescence
• floruit
• flower
• flush
• heyday
• high noon
• prime
• salad days
• springtime

Verb

• bloom
• blow
• burgeon
• bourgeon
• effloresce
• flower
• unfold

Examples of blossom in a Sentence

Noun

Her hair smelled of apple blossoms.

in the full blossom of her career as a writer

Verb

Their friendship blossomed into romance.

the fruit tree seemed to blossom overnight once the warm spring weather arrived

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The nose has a rich and complex aroma of apple blossom, freshly baked bread, and candied lemon, underpinned by layers of vanilla, brioche, and pear. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

With showy wine-red blossoms that perfume the garden with the distinctive aromas of chocolate and vanilla from mid-summer through fall, chocolate cosmos entices butterflies and curious gardeners alike. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2024

Verb

Their friendship blossomed over the years that followed. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2024

Three year slater, their friendship blossomed into a romance during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the pair began living together in Platt's childhood home and regularly posted about their #QuaranTunes dance parties on their Instagram pages. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English blosme, from Old English blōstm; akin to Old English blōwan

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

blossom

1 of 2 noun

blos·​som ˈbläs-əm 

1

: the flower of a seed plant

apple blossoms

also : the mass of such flowers on a single plant

a light blossom on the rose bush

2

: bloom entry 1 sense 1b

3

: a peak period or stage of development

blossomy

-ə-mē 

adjective

blossom

2 of 2 verb

1

: bloom entry 2 sense 1

2

: to grow and do well

students who blossom in college