panicle

noun

pan·​i·​cle ˈpa-ni-kəl 

1

: a compound racemose inflorescence see inflorescence illustration

2

: a pyramidal loosely branched flower cluster

panicled

ˈpa-ni-kəld 

adjective

paniculate

pa-ˈni-kyə-lət 

pə-

adjective

Examples of panicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Full to partial sun The fragrant flower panicles of the butterfly bush (Buddleia) put on a show for weeks in summer, attracting many pollinators. —Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 12 Apr. 2026

However, panicle hydrangeas like limelight that bloom in the summer. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026

There are many different cultivars of panicle hydrangeas available, so choose one with a mature size that matches your space. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026

Cold protection depends on hydrangea type, since bigleaf varieties need insulation, while panicle and smooth types recover easily. —Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin panicula, diminutive of panus

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for panicle

• biomechanical
• thermomechanical
• botanical
• brahmanical
• mechanical
• tyrannical
• electromechanical
• puritanical

Kids Definition

panicle

noun

pan·​i·​cle ˈpan-i-kəl 

: a branched flower cluster (as of a lilac or some grasses) in which each branch from the main stem has one or more flowers