flourish

play

verb flour·ish \ˈflər-ish, ˈflə-rish\

Definition of flourish

intransitive verb
1 : to grow luxuriantly : thrive
2a : to achieve success : prosper a flourishing businessb : to be in a state of activity or production flourished around 1850c : to reach a height of development or influence The company flourished with record profits under the new owner.
3 : to make bold and sweeping gestures
transitive verb
: to wield with dramatic gestures : brandish Dressed as a pirate, he entered the stage flourishing his sword.

flourisher

noun

flourishingly

play \ˈflər-i-shiŋ-lē, ˈflə-ri-\ adverb

See flourish defined for English-language learners

See flourish defined for kids

Examples of flourish in a Sentence

plants and animals that flourished here thousands of years ago
Regional markets have flourished in recent years.
a decorative style that flourished in the 1920s
Dressed as a pirate, he entered the stage flourishing his sword.

Recent Examples of flourish from the Web

Platforms are a way for companies to create marketplaces that allow both sides of the transaction to flourish—while the firm, as gatekeeper, enjoys a tidy revenue stream.

— The Economist, "A new way to workWhat will business technology look like tomorrow?," 13 July 2017
As their business flourished, so did their love of collecting more pieces.

— elizabeth koh, miamiherald, "Her love story helped build an art scene," 2 July 2017
From the garage-punk bands of Nashville to Atlanta’s metal-heads, Southern rock scenes are flourishing, sprouting new acts, clubs and publications.

— neil shah, WSJ, "The South’s Rock Renaissance," 1 July 2017
At Doug Jones rally, optimism flourishes Alabama hasn't elected a Democrat to a statewide office in more than a decade, and the party hasn't held one of the state's two Senate seats since Howell Heflin left office in early 1997.

— paul gattis, AL.com, "Body discovered in farmer's field in north Alabama," 28 June 2017
Researchers like Sumida have found, for example, that dead whales provide a pulse of food to nutrient-starved ocean floors, enabling a specialized ecosystem to flourish on the decaying carcasses.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Every year, thousands of drowned wildebeest feed this African ecosystem," 19 June 2017
At the time the women’s liberation movement was flourishing and America was fascinated with the idea a woman could play competitively against a man on the tennis court.

— tim dahlberg, The Seattle Times, "Think Mayweather-McGregor is a freak show? How about these?," 15 June 2017
Kathryn Albertson Park flourishes with migratory wildlife and peaceful areas to reflect on the beauty of nature.

— dana oland, idahostatesman, "Boise’s new Esther Simplot Park quickly becoming a gathering place," 9 June 2017
Miranda Elish was named each of her final three seasons before flourishing as a freshman this season with Women's College World Series semifinalist Oregon.

— michael osipoff, Post-Tribune, "Crown Point senior, Notre Dame recruit Alexis Holloway wins Gatorade award," 7 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flourish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of flourish

Middle English florisshen, from Anglo-French fluriss-, stem of flurir, florir, from Vulgar Latin *florire, alteration of Latin florēre, from flor-, flos flower

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of flourish

swing, wave, flourish, brandish, thrash mean to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down. swing implies regular or uniform movement. swing the rope back and forth wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion. waving the flag flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement. flourished the winning lottery ticket brandish implies threatening or menacing motion. brandishing a knife thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement. an infant thrashing his arms about

flourish

noun flour·ish

Definition of flourish

1 : an act or instance of brandishing or waving
2a : a florid bit of speech or writing rhetorical flourishesb : an ornamental stroke in writing or printingc : a decorative or finishing detail a house with clever little flourishes
3 : fanfare
4a : a period of thrivingb : a luxuriant growth or profusion a flourish of white hair a springtime flourish of color
5 : showiness in the doing of something opened the door with a flourish
6 : a sudden burst a flourish of activity

See flourish defined for English-language learners

Examples of flourish in a Sentence

the floral flourishes in the living room
a house with many clever little flourishes
Her writing style is simple and clear, without unnecessary flourishes.
Dinner was served with a flourish.
He waved his sword with a flourish.
She opened the door with a flourish.
With a flourish of her pen, she signed the bill into law.

Recent Examples of flourish from the Web

Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels (with a temporary spare tire) and a Black Optics appearance pack that darkens the mirror caps, body-side flourish, rear lip spoiler, and lower front-fascia trim.

— erik johnson, Car and Driver, "2018 Audi RS5 Coupe," 28 June 2017
Carbon fiber is employed almost purely as a stylistic flourish, in most cases an optional one.

— jared gall, Car and Driver, "2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast," 21 June 2017
A (Measurables from the LeBron James Camp) COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS Johnson's junior season started with a flourish.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "Jaylen Johnson 2017 NBA draft scouting report," 20 June 2017
The beverage menu reads like a book of poetry, with cocktails like the Chrysler, Rum Service and Mistress described with eloquent flourishes that draw you in.

— CNN Travel, "8 of New York City's best rooftop bars," 13 June 2017
Even when employing specific strategies — from recurring minimalistic patterns to skittering flourishes that surely would have made Edgard Varèse smile — Iyer put his own stamp on the music.

— george varga, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ojai Music Festival opens with triumphant debuts — and a big scare," 9 June 2017
At only 400 square feet, the Kings & Convicts taproom is even smaller than Sketchbook's and has fewer decorative flourishes.

— greg trotter, chicagotribune.com, "Taproom boom: Faced with slowing sales growth, craft brewers try out a new model," 6 June 2017
Encouragingly for Wenger, the Wembley Stadium success capped a six-game winning streak to end the season with a flourish.

— Bloomberg.com, "Wenger Signs 2-Year Contract to Remain as Arsenal Manager," 31 May 2017
But the Griffins finished at O'Brien Field with a flourish as the 1,600 relay of Ololade Ayoola, Keto Nkeme, Sam Myers and Taylor Wright won in 3:51.62.

— steve soucie, Daily Southtown, "Alabama recruit Jaimie Robinson wins three state titles as H-F places second," 20 May 2017

Origin and Etymology of flourish

see ¹flourish

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1552

See Words from the same year

FLOURISH Defined for English Language Learners

flourish

play

verb

Definition of flourish for English Language Learners

: to grow well : to be healthy
: to be very successful : to do very well
: to hold up and show (something) in an excited or proud way

flourish

noun

Definition of flourish for English Language Learners

: something that is added as a detail or decoration
: a dramatic or fancy way of doing something
: a sudden smooth movement that is likely to be noticed

FLOURISH Defined for Kids

flourish

play

verb flour·ish \ˈflər-ish\

Definition of flourish for Students

flourished

;

flourishing

1 : to grow well : thrive Plants flourish in this rich soil.
2 : to do well : enjoy success This style of art flourished in the 1920s.
3 : to make sweeping movements with He flourished a sword.

flourish

play

noun flour·ish

Definition of flourish for Students

1 : a fancy bit of decoration added to something He added a flourish to his signature.
2 : a sweeping motion She removed her hat with a flourish.