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

Add decorative trays to display perfume bottles, compacts, flower arrangements, tortoiseshell combs, and candles. — Heather Corcoran, ELLE Decor, "How to Bring Old Hollywood Into Your Home," 19 Mar. 2019 Enter Blume dolls, which are all of this rolled into a flower pot. — Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, "We're Officially Calling Blume Dolls the Hottest Toy of 2019," 14 Feb. 2019 Or sweep a yard clean, moving downhill blasting out flower beds, corners, and working down steps and around or through every obstacle. — Ryan D'agostino, Popular Mechanics, "We Test the Very Best Leaf Blowers You Can Buy," 5 Nov. 2018 Some take it as the best time to break out their best flower crowns. — Leah Prinzivalli, SELF, "This Is What Actually Goes Down at a Fitness Festival," 27 Oct. 2018 In lieu of flowers donations to the Pittsford Historical Society, PO Box 423, Pittsford, VT 05763 would be appreciated. — Hartford Courant, courant.com, "Nancy Patch Knapp," 12 July 2018 The Gonzalezes recently visited the Strunks to thank them again and to bring them a cake and a Fourth of July-themed flower arrangement. — Hannah Natanson, BostonGlobe.com, "A storm was ruining this beach wedding. Then a total stranger made the bride an offer," 12 July 2018 The Gonzalezes recently visited the Strunks to thank them again and to bring them a cake and a Fourth of July-themed flower arrangement. — Hannah Natanson, Washington Post, "A storm was ruining this beach wedding. Then a total stranger made the bride an offer.," 12 July 2018 In lieu of flowers donations should be directed to your own favorite charities. — Sun-Sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 7/9," 9 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The lake cores contain less forest pollen and more from grasses and flowering meadow plants, mixed with the spores of fungi that thrive on cattle dung. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Supposedly pristine South American forest had been pre-Columbian farmland," 17 July 2018 The red and green and yellow lights flowered in the moist fog. — Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, "Five Early Lessons in Parenting," 5 May 2018 Some varieties of raspberries require as many as 800 hours of chill before flowering and producing fruit. — Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Despite mild winter, Treasure Valley fruit trees likely are doing OK | Idaho Statesman," 21 Feb. 2018 Another surprise was the discovery of flowering vegetation that had taken root on the volcanic cone and in the mud of the isthmus connecting HTHH to its neighbor. — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "A Young Island in the South Pacific Oozes Mysteries and Mud," 5 Feb. 2019 This slows growth and promotes flowering on your mature healthy plants. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Summer heat, rain not kind to geraniums," 30 June 2018 Interested in research more than treatment, Cajal turned to histology, or cell theory, a discipline that had flowered since the introduction of powerful microscopes in the 1830s. — Cate Mcquaid, BostonGlobe.com, "A different sort of scan in ‘The Beautiful Brain’," 6 June 2018 And the chicken has just enough of the herb’s resinous flavor to remind you of walking past a planter of flowering rosemary in some fog-addled corner of the city and running your fingers through the spiky green tresses. — Jonathan Kauffman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Fernay McPherson and the movement that found success away from her native Fillmore," 11 May 2018 In Japan, the lotus is revered for its ability to flower in even the murkiest water. — Jay Jones, latimes.com, "Spring flowers and cherry trees bloom 24/7 at this Las Vegas resort," 21 Mar. 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.