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

Synonyms for flower

Synonyms: Noun

bloom, blossom

Synonyms: Verb

bloom, blossom, blow, burgeon (also bourgeon), effloresce, unfold

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

Soon yogurt cups became flower pots; paper plates and plastic lids became wheels. — Lorraine Allen, WSJ, "An Empty Box Is the Perfect Christmas Gift," 19 Dec. 2018 The Duchess, who wore a gray Catherine Walker coat, laid a bouquet of white flowers with a card. — Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, "Prince William and Kate Middleton Made a Somber Visit to Leicester Today," 28 Nov. 2018 Fluttering fields of largely untamed flowers right next to fertile grain fields, all set against the blue-tinged view of distant mountains and the Aegean Sea are memorable sights. — Daniel Starkey, Ars Technica, "Assassin’s Creed Odyssey," 4 Oct. 2018 Lacking storage space for an upside-down flower pot? — Jean Nick, Good Housekeeping, "7 Ways You Can Make Your Garlic Last Longer," 27 July 2018 Look for 50 to 150 white flowers in umbrella-like clusters with leaves up to five feet across. — Sarah Klein, Health.com, "Giant Hogweed Sent This Virginia Teen to the Hospital. Here's What to Know About the Scary Plant That Can Burn Your Skin and Lead to Blindness," 13 July 2018 Property damage Red spray paint was used to deface flower pots, light fixtures windows and siding on a house and garage in the 900 block of Pine Street, it was reported on July 2. — Brian Cox, chicagotribune.com, "Police blotter: Flower pots, light fixtures in Winnetka damaged with spray paint," 12 July 2018 Murphree has eight, including one in a flower pot on his front porch. — Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Washington Post, "He refused to pay a fine for the U.S. flag on his porch. His HOA made him get rid of the house.," 9 July 2018 Remember to drain sources of standing water around your home, including garbage cans, house gutters, toys and flower pots. — Naseem S. Miller, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orange County issues advisory for mosquito-borne disease," 3 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The sandy beaches and flowering gardens of Kaanapali were once a rejuvenating retreat for Hawaii’s kings and queens. — The Seattle Times, "Winter getaway: Stay and play in Kaanapali, Maui," 15 Aug. 2018 The couple were waved off by the excitable and adorable pageboys and flower girls wearing Spanish label La Oca Loca; the girls in organdy and lace white dresses and flowered espadrilles and the boys in linen tops and shorts. — Vogue, "California Dreamers: Hayley Bloomingdale’s Stylish Santa Barbara Wedding," 26 Nov. 2018 The dramatic change is happening right in front of us.’’ In the 1850s, Thoreau charted when Walden Pond’s highbush blueberry first flowered. — Seth Borenstein, BostonGlobe.com, "Looking for signs of global warming? They’re all around you," 19 June 2018 Buffered from the drone of the traffic and smog in North America’s most populous metropolis, the former rock quarry’s flowering shrubs and babbling creek are a haven for hummingbirds. — National Geographic, "Inside the Black Market Hummingbird Love Charm Trade," 18 Apr. 2018 To add reddish highlights and tint: Hibiscus flower tea. — Jean Nick, Good Housekeeping, "How to Make Your Own Shampoo With Ingredients You Have in Your Kitchen," 31 July 2017 Perennial grasses and wildflowers sprouted the first year after the fires and flowered profusely the second year. — Kristen Pope, Discover Magazine, "Wildfire Engulfed Yellowstone 30 Years Ago. Its Recovery Could Predict The Future of the West," 12 Nov. 2018 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

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.