Illustration of flower
- 1 filament
- 2 anther
- 3 stigma
- 4 style
- 5 petal
- 6 ovary
- 7 sepal
- 8 pedicel
- 9 stamen
- 10 pistil
- 11 perianth
flow·er
ˈflau̇(-ə)r 
1
a
: 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
2
a
: 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
Synonyms
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
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Recent Examples on the Web
Shon Faye, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2023
Starting at the outer edge of the same skillet, arrange squash slices in slightly overlapping concentric circles to form a flower shape.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023
Designed to look like a lotus flower, reviewers say the warming light glows through the crackled glass and creates the most wonderful ambience.
—Theresa Johnson, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023
The property backed up to a vacant lot that has since become Crispus Attucks Park, a grassy acre landscaped with flowers, benches and shade trees.
—Omari Daniels, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023
In lieu of flowers, the Carter family is requesting that those interested consider contributing to the Carter Center's Mental Health Program or the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.
—Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2023
There is a farmers market on La Mesa Boulevard between Spring and Fourth streets where the street is closed to vehicles and locals are lined up on the street selling handmade jewelry, original artwork, clothes, flowers and more every Friday.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023
The darker floral look helps make flower patterns feel more appropriate during the winter season.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2023
In her closing remarks, Femme it Forward founder Heather Lowery encouraged guests to give flowers to the women in their own personal lives.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Nov. 2023
Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 20 Nov. 2023
In a study published last year, researchers in the United States grew a flowering weed called Arabidopsis thaliana in 12 thimble-sized containers, each bearing a gram of actual moon soil collected during NASA missions more than a half century ago.
—Fox News, 9 Nov. 2023
Prune summer and spring flowering shrubs now, before new flower buds form.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2023
Spring is peak allergy season, with trees and plants finally flowering after the winter months.
—Emily Shiffer, Parents, 2 Nov. 2023
In late summer when most plants have stopped flowering, this low-to-the-ground perennial is covered with bright red blooms.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2023
In the clip, Gomez could be seen pouting and blowing kisses for the camera, as well as strutting down a corridor to show off the full detailing of her dress, which included flowering vines and a thigh-high slit.
—Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2023
That also goes for the flowering plumes of ornamental grasses near property lines.
—Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023
Succulent and Cacti Tips Whether a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter cactus, with the right care, these seasonally flowering houseplants can definitely add cheer and beauty to your holiday and throughout the year.
—Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2023
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Noun
The vegetable garden that supplies Domaine’s kitchen, depending on the season, boasts a variety of aromatic herbs, edible flowers, root vegetables, leafy greens, stem vegetables, aster vegetables, and fruit vegetables.
—Shon Faye, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2023
Starting at the outer edge of the same skillet, arrange squash slices in slightly overlapping concentric circles to form a flower shape.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023
Designed to look like a lotus flower, reviewers say the warming light glows through the crackled glass and creates the most wonderful ambience.
—Theresa Johnson, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023
The property backed up to a vacant lot that has since become Crispus Attucks Park, a grassy acre landscaped with flowers, benches and shade trees.
—Omari Daniels, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023
In lieu of flowers, the Carter family is requesting that those interested consider contributing to the Carter Center's Mental Health Program or the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.
—Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2023
There is a farmers market on La Mesa Boulevard between Spring and Fourth streets where the street is closed to vehicles and locals are lined up on the street selling handmade jewelry, original artwork, clothes, flowers and more every Friday.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023
The darker floral look helps make flower patterns feel more appropriate during the winter season.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2023
In her closing remarks, Femme it Forward founder Heather Lowery encouraged guests to give flowers to the women in their own personal lives.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Nov. 2023
Verb
The holiday cactus is thermo-photo-periodic in their flowering requirements-- meaning they are affected both by day length and temperature.
—Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 20 Nov. 2023
In a study published last year, researchers in the United States grew a flowering weed called Arabidopsis thaliana in 12 thimble-sized containers, each bearing a gram of actual moon soil collected during NASA missions more than a half century ago.
—Fox News, 9 Nov. 2023
Prune summer and spring flowering shrubs now, before new flower buds form.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2023
Spring is peak allergy season, with trees and plants finally flowering after the winter months.
—Emily Shiffer, Parents, 2 Nov. 2023
In late summer when most plants have stopped flowering, this low-to-the-ground perennial is covered with bright red blooms.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2023
In the clip, Gomez could be seen pouting and blowing kisses for the camera, as well as strutting down a corridor to show off the full detailing of her dress, which included flowering vines and a thigh-high slit.
—Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2023
That also goes for the flowering plumes of ornamental grasses near property lines.
—Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2023
Succulent and Cacti Tips Whether a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter cactus, with the right care, these seasonally flowering houseplants can definitely add cheer and beauty to your holiday and throughout the year.
—Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flower.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English flour, flur "blossom of a plant, prime of life, best of a class, ground grain free of bran," borrowed from Anglo-French flour, flur (also continental Old French), going back to Latin flōr-, flōs "flower, bloom, flourishing condition, choicest part, best of a class," going back to Indo-European *bhleh3-os, s-stem derivative from the verbal base *bhleh3- "bloom, break into flower" — more at blow entry 3
Verb
Middle English flouren "(of a plant) to blossom, to bloom, be vigourous," derivative of flour, flur flour entry 1
First Known Use
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of flower was
in the 13th century
Phrases Containing flower
Dictionary Entries Near flower
Cite this Entry
“Flower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flower. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
flower
1 of 2 noun
flow·er
ˈflau̇(-ə)r
1
a
: a specialized plant part that occurs singly or in clusters, possesses often colorful petals or sepals, and bears reproductive organs 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
d
: a cut stem of a plant with its flower
a bouquet of flowers
2
: the best part or example
in the flower of his youth
flower
2 of 2 verb1
: to produce flowers : bloom
More from Merriam-Webster on flower
Nglish: Translation of flower for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of flower for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flower
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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