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

However, people seem to have forgotten that candy and flowers are equally conventional presents, and bottles of wine have come to be used as automatic admission tickets to social events. — Judith Martin, Washington Post, "Miss Manners: Any way to fend off unwanted wine gifts?," 8 July 2019 Mountain slopes that were once blanketed with the plant, its pink, purple and red flowers lending a burst of vibrancy to an otherwise dusty landscape, now lie fallow or have been replaced by subsistence crops — mainly corn. — Kirk Semple, New York Times, "Mexican Opium Prices Plummet, Driving Poppy Farmers to Migrate," 7 July 2019 However, residents are permitted to water gardens and flowers using a handheld hose, the notice said. — Amanda Kaufman, BostonGlobe.com, "Water ban issued in Franklin after fire at treatment plant," 7 July 2019 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kiwanis Club of Hollywood, (horses and the handicapped) and mailed to 4101 Jackson Street, Hollywood, FL 33021. — sun-sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 7/6," 6 July 2019 Fellow protesters and mourners erected a shrine in his honor, laying wreaths and origami flowers near the site of his death. — Time Staff, Time, "Another Hong Kong Protester Fell to Her Death After Leaving a Message for the Government," 5 July 2019 Dallas, 214-827-2233 Cork & Growler: 8979 FM423, Suite 100, Frisco, 469-980-7499 Corner Market: Dogs are also welcome in their adjoining flower/gift shop. — Tatia Woldt, Dallas News, "Dog About Town: Taking your pooch to a play and more things to do," 5 July 2019 The most popular nectar sources are mist flower, zinnias, porter weed, and milkweed. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "Purple martins are on the move," 5 July 2019 Add rosé, grapefruit juice and grapefruit soda to the bowl and stir. Garnish with fresh fruit slices, mint leaves and edible flowers. — Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, "Oakland cocktail maven Ashley Rose Conway on rosé cocktails, summer parties," 5 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The revolutionary ideals of freedom and equality that flowered in Virginia had become twisted and gnarled. — Gregory S. Schneider, Washington Post, "Virginia debated ending slavery after Nat Turner’s revolt," 14 June 2019 The backdrop is expansive gardens in full vernal splendor: 150 flowering cherry trees, alongside countless other flowers from daffodils to irises to 500,000 tulips. — National Geographic, "Best places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S.," 1 Mar. 2019 There's also flowering Pokémon Gossifleur, which will be found in places with clean air and water. — Michelle Lou, CNN, "Here's what we know about Pokemon Sword and Shield so far," 5 June 2019 If your air plant is flowering, skip submerging it and try rinsing it instead. — Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Air Plants," 25 Mar. 2019 Entering the backyard is like stepping into an English garden with perennials, flowering shade trees, brownstone pathways, a stone patio for picnicking and a fire pit. — Karen A. Avitabile, courant.com, "Property of the Week: 93 Shunpike Road, Cromwell," 26 Oct. 2017 Keep Your Cucumbers Hydrated Provide plants with plenty of moisture, especially around the time the plant is flowering and fruiting. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "Everything You Need to Know About Growing Crisp Cucumbers," 12 July 2018 Peak bloom takes place when 70 percent of the trees in a certain area are flowering all at once—the trees in Washington D.C. just hit their peak bloom period this week, according to the Washington Post. — Maggie Maloney, Town & Country, "How Cherry Blossoms Became the Most Celebrated Event of the Spring," 2 Apr. 2019 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

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.