inflorescence

noun

in·​flo·​res·​cence ˌin-flə-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s 

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

• 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

While many species of hydrangeas have white flowers, bigleaf hydrangeas are prized for their beautiful inflorescences that act as a natural pH indicator of the soil the plants grow in. —Dr. Nick Goltz, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025

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

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

Rhymes for inflorescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence
• opalescence

Kids Definition

inflorescence

noun

in·​flo·​res·​cence ˌin-flə-ˈres-ᵊn(t)s 

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