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

My first scent memory: My very first smells came from the flowers in our garden in Caracas. — Shannon Barbour, The Cut, "Carolina Herrera de Baez Loves the Smell of Wet Earth After a Storm," 2 July 2018 The Can’t-Miss Experience: Just 50 miles up the coast from St. Tropez, the tiny town of Grasse is known for growing the finest flowers for many of the world’s top perfumers. — Fortune, "5 Spectacular, New Ways to Experience the French Countryside," 28 June 2018 The flower is pure Tiffany archive, from the period when Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of the founder, was a leader of the Art Nouveau movement with his stained glass lamps. — Reed Krakoff, Town & Country, "Tiffany & Co. Wants to Change the Rules of How to Wear a Diamond," 27 Nov. 2018 Herbs are the leaves, stems, and flowers of those plants found in temperate climates, and are generally soft (like basil) or slightly woody (like rosemary). — Francine Maroukian, Popular Mechanics, "How Herbs and Spices Can Make You Cook Like a Pro," 13 Nov. 2018 The exhibit includes more fascinating details about planning their fairytale wedding, from choosing the ceremony music to picking that famous bouquet of flowers. — Halie Lesavage, Glamour, "Meghan Markle Reveals How She Chose Her 'Perfect' Wedding Tiara," 26 Oct. 2018 Hair flowers were a runway staple at last month's New York Fashion Week, and models at Rodarte and Mansieur Gavirel accessorized their tresses with fresh blooms. — Zoë Weiner, Teen Vogue, "Princess Charlotte Wore Hair Florals to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s Royal Wedding," 12 Oct. 2018 The individual handed Zennström's wife a bunch of flowers and held out an envelope containing a summons for Zennström. — Toivo Tänavsuu, Ars Technica, "“How can they be so good?”: The strange story of Skype," 3 Sep. 2018 The first stop on a national tour, the exhibit will cover around 50 paintings, watercolors, prints, and drawings collected in one place for the first time. Don't expect flowers and Southwestern motifs. — Meredith Carey, Condé Nast Traveler, "What to Do in Dallas in November 2018," 12 Nov. 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.