nectary

noun

nec·​tary ˈnek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce nectary (audio)
plural nectaries
: a plant gland that secretes nectar

Examples of nectary 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.
Both loquat species are susceptible to fire blight, a disease caused by bacteria that enter flower nectaries if rain should fall during bloom. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026 Some plants secrete a sweet substance from nectaries, or nectar glands. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025 Extrafloral nectaries are found on peony buds and as a pair of glands at the base of cherry leaves, for example. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025 Our study lays the foundation for further research into the evolution and ecology of these nectaries. Jacob S. Suissa, The Conversation, 20 June 2024 Each piece is fashioned with intense, matte colors on the outside, and gleaming metal and lacquer on the inside visible through portholes, which beckon viewers in the way nectaries sheltered inside flowers attract bees. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

New Latin nectarium, irregular from Latin nectar + -arium -ary

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nectary was in 1759

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nectary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nectary. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

nectary

noun
nec·​tary ˈnek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce nectary (audio)
plural nectaries
: a plant gland that secretes nectar

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