moonflower

noun

moon·​flow·​er ˈmün-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce moonflower (audio)
: a tropical American morning glory (Ipomoea alba synonym Calonyction aculeatum) with fragrant flowers
also : any of several related plants

Examples of moonflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In cultivation, the moonflower cactus is only found in 13 botanical gardens worldwide, according to the CUBG. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Mar. 2021 Relaxation is also found at the spa where unique treatments are inspired by global destinations, like the ‘Istanbul Hammamm Experience’ which features the scents of tangerine and figs, and the ‘Icelandic Moonflower Signature Treatment’ which incorporates Icelandic moonflower. Anna Haines, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2022 Ipomoea alba is the night-blooming moonflower. Howard Garrett, Dallas News, 9 Aug. 2021 Annuals—like kochia, four-o'clock, strawflower, impatiens, moonflower, and angel's-trumpet—and perennials—like peony, bee balm, and hosta—can substitute for shrubs the first year or two. Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2023 Instead, the giant sphinx was dusted with a fine, gray powder, most likely the pollen of a moonflower (Ipomoea alba), another of the swamp’s bright, white blooms, but far more plentiful. Steven Bedard, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2019 Here, only three species of flowering plants are known to be pollinated at night by hawkmoths: the ghost orchid, the moonflower, and the Florida swamp lily (Crinium americanum). Steven Bedard, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2019 Several varieties of moonflower also give off a lemon fragrance when its flowers are open. Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2022 Despite belonging to the cactus family Cactaceae, the moonflower's stem looks like large flat leaves and snake themselves around host plants, such as trees. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'moonflower.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of moonflower was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near moonflower

Cite this Entry

“Moonflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moonflower. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on moonflower

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!