bract

noun

ˈbrakt 

1

: a leaf from the axil of which a flower or floral axis arises

2

: a leaf borne on a floral axis

especially : one subtending a flower or flower cluster

bracteal

ˈbrak-tē-əl 

adjective

bracteate

ˈbrak-tē-ət 

-ˌāt

adjective

bracted

ˈbrak-təd 

adjective

Examples of bract in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Much like a poinsettia, the actual flower is insignificant, but the surrounding 3 to 6 colorful bracts are spectacular. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 May 2025

The white blooms it's known for are actually four petal-like bracts that surround the real flowers. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025

Taut, silvery blue leaves — two-inch spears studded along curvaceous, sprawling, serpentine stems — contrast perfectly with chartreuse bracts. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2025

Two large, white bracts (structures surrounding the flower) flutter delicately in a light breeze, reminiscent of white birds, spirits, or tissues in a tree. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin bractea, from Latin, thin metal plate

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bract

• act
• backed
• blacked
• cracked
• fact
• hacked
• jacked
• lacked
• packed
• pact
• racked
• sacked

Kids Definition

bract

noun

ˈbrakt 

: a small leaf or leaflike structure at the base of a flower or flower cluster