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

Increase the number of stems with colorful bracts by cutting all the ends of the plants back 4 to 6 inches. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

The spathe is a curvaceous, hood-like, modified leaf or bract that attracts insects with its color and then traps them against the spadix, ensuring pollination. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 May 2026

The sharp bracts surrounding the fruit can cause scratches. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 24 May 2026

This showy plant has colorful bracts surrounding tiny white flowers. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 May 2026

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