: 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
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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Noun
Since its leaves, seeds, and flowers are all edible, there are numerous ways to enjoy your harvest in the kitchen.—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025 At certain angles, the photo’s dark backdrop allows viewers to see the reflection of former President Barack Obama’s portrait that depicts him surrounded by greenery and flowers representing Chicago and Hawaii.—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
So, get out your digging tools now—you’ll want to give these flowering beauties time to settle before the ground freezes.—Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025 Allow some of your garlic to flower and plant near tomatoes to help keep squirrels away.—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flower
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, flurflour entry 1
: 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
Middle English flour "flower, best part," from early French flor, flour (same meaning), from Latin flor-, flos "flower, blossom" — related to florid, flour, flourish
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