inflorescence

noun

in·​flo·​res·​cence ˌin-flə-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce inflorescence (audio)
1
a
: the mode of development and arrangement of flowers on an axis
b
: a floral axis with its appendages
also : a flower cluster
2
: the budding and unfolding of blossoms : flowering

Illustration of inflorescence

Illustration of inflorescence
  • 1 raceme
  • 2 corymb
  • 3 umbel
  • 4 compound umbel
  • 5 capitulum
  • 6 spike
  • 7 compound spike
  • 8 panicle
  • 9 cyme

Examples of inflorescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The floral inflorescences look interesting even after the color fades. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025 There is a special kind of pride that comes with seeing a homegrown, burgeoning shrub with conical, foot-long inflorescences, each of which is composed of more than a hundred of tiny florets that are blanketed with nectar-seeking bees. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 June 2025 These may have colorful foliage or attractive and long-lasting inflorescences. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025 Another inflorescence won’t occur for a while, adds Sprindis to the AP. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflorescence

Word History

Etymology

New Latin inflorescentia, from Late Latin inflorescent-, inflorescens, present participle of inflorescere to begin to bloom, from Latin in- + florescere to begin to bloom — more at florescence

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflorescence was in 1760

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflorescence. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

inflorescence

noun
in·​flo·​res·​cence ˌin-flə-ˈres-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce inflorescence (audio)
1
a
: the pattern of development and arrangement of flowers on a stalk
b
: a flowering stalk with all its parts
also : a flower cluster or sometimes a flower that grows alone
2
: the forming and unfolding of blossoms

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