flower

noun

flow·er | \ˈflau̇(-ə)r

Definition of flower

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the specialized part of an angiospermous plant that occurs singly or in clusters, possesses whorls of often colorful petals or sepals, and bears the reproductive structures (such as stamens or pistils) involved in the development of seeds and fruit : blossom

b : a cluster of small flowers growing closely together that resembles and is often viewed as a single flower : inflorescence a hydrangea flower

c : a plant grown or valued for its flowers planted flowers in the front yard

d : a cut stem of a plant with its flower a bouquet of flowers

e : bloom entry 2 sense 1b lilacs in full flower

2a : the best part or example the flower of our youth

b : the finest most vigorous period wasted the flower of their lives

c : a state of blooming or flourishing in full flower

3 flowers plural : a finely divided powder produced especially by condensation or sublimation flowers of sulfur

flower

verb

flowered; flowering; flowers

Definition of flower (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : develop flowered into young womanhood

b : flourish sense 2

2 : to produce flowers : blossom

transitive verb

1 : to cause to bear flowers

2 : to decorate with flowers or floral designs

Other Words from flower Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about flower

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Other Words from flower

Noun

flowered \ ˈflau̇(-ə)rd

\ adjective

flowerful \ ˈflau̇(-ə)r-fəl

\ adjective

flowerless \ ˈflau̇(-ə)r-ləs

\ adjective

flowerlike \ ˈflau̇(-ə)r-ˌlīk

\ adjective

Verb

flowerer \ ˈflau̇(-ə)r-ər

\ noun

Examples of flower in a Sentence

Noun

We planted flowers in the garden. He sent her a bouquet of flowers. He wore a single flower in his lapel.

Verb

This tree flowers in early spring. The plant will flower every other year. His genius flowered at the university. a political movement that began to flower during the 1960s

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Note the cascading flowers, hanging lanterns, and lots of of extra-large candles. — Halie Lesavage, Glamour, "Gwyneth Paltrow Just Shared the First Photos From Her Wedding to Brad Falchuk," 2 Nov. 2018 Some of the flowers, which are in peak bloom in late August and early September, date back to the early 20th century. — Alyssa Fiorentino, House Beautiful, "You Need To Know The Real Story Behind Allison's House From Hocus Pocus," 17 Oct. 2018 The flowers themselves were a bright red and yellow, and Mara arranged them in a gentle zig-zag throughout Emma’s wavy hair, almost giving off a waterfall effect. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Emma Stone Attends "The Favourite" Premiere With Fresh Roses in Her Hair," 29 Sep. 2018 In late July, the farm was open to everyone, with the owners charging an entry fee of $7.50 to people who wanted to visit the brightly colored flowers. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "The 8-year-olds hacking our voting machines," 4 Aug. 2018 One by one, each is welcomed with a lei made of the most fragrant fresh flowers. — NBC News, "Be proactive and step out of your comfort zone:," 13 July 2018 In Midtown Manhattan, business improvement districts can contribute to the cost of maintaining the space created when streets are closed — the gardeners who tend the flowers, the trash collectors who pick up litter. — James Barron, New York Times, "Lounge in Them. Dash Through Them. But Don’t Call Them Parks.," 13 July 2018 Lipa took to her Instagram Story today (July 11) to show off the purple flowers. — Rita Thompson, Billboard, "Dua Lipa Gushes Over Beautiful Bouquet of Flowers From Taylor Swift: See the Pic," 11 July 2018 An early spring means that some of the flowers bees rely upon for food have already bloomed when the bees emerge after winter. — Kevin Davenport, idahostatesman, "Why are these 250,000 bees hanging out on this sweet Downtown Boise rooftop?," 11 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Grooming can be done at any time and major pruning in February before flowering. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Most tomatoes won't grow in summer in Florida," 7 July 2018 Seeds of Life offers flowering trees such as these gardenias, which are known for having a heavenly scent. — Jenae Sitzes, Country Living, "20 Best Mother's Day Flower Delivery Options," 1 May 2018 This is especially important with the southern high bush variety that flowers heavily when the plants are young. — Stan Davidson, Sun-Sentinel.com, "With patience, blueberries can be grown in containers," 10 July 2018 In the 1850s, Thoreau charted when Walden Pond’s highbush blueberry first flowered. — Washington Post, "Looking for signs of global warming? It’s all around you," 19 June 2018 Chickweed is up and in some instances already flowering. — Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, "Your garden chore this week? Do the neighborly thing and tidy up," 7 June 2018 Mbappé, who has the skill set to flower into a Messi- or Cristiano Ronaldo-level star, is quick on his feet and has three goals in the tournament so far. — Katherine Fominykh, baltimoresun.com, "World Cup final weekend: how to watch the matchups, plus time and odds," 14 July 2018 This political strain emerged before Meacham fully begins his story, flowering in the Confederate States of America, the modern world’s first experiment in building a nation founded explicitly on racial supremacy. — Sean Wilentz, New York Times, "A Battle for the ‘Soul of America’? It’s as Old as America, One Historian Notes," 21 May 2018 But the conversation seems to focus on whether the Phillies can add a big bat, and whether the Flyers can wait for their talented youth to flower before their veterans wither, and whether the Sixers can sign LeBron. — Marcus Hayes, Philly.com, "Philly sports fans should enjoy the ride | Marcus Hayes," 13 May 2018

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