panicle

noun

pan·​i·​cle ˈpa-ni-kəl How to pronounce panicle (audio)
1
: a compound racemose inflorescence see inflorescence illustration
2
: a pyramidal loosely branched flower cluster
panicled adjective
paniculate adjective

Examples of panicle 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.
In hotter areas in full sun, panicle hydrangeas are the way to go. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2025 These panicles, which can be up to eight inches long, bloom from mid-summer into fall. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The tiny flowers are densely packed into plume-like panicles rising above the foliage. Judy Nauseef, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025 For example, there are compact cultivars of panicle hydrangeas, ninebarks and junipers. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for panicle

Word History

Etymology

Latin panicula, diminutive of panus

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of panicle was in 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Panicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panicle. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

panicle

noun
pan·​i·​cle ˈpan-i-kəl How to pronounce panicle (audio)
: a branched flower cluster (as of a lilac or some grasses) in which each branch from the main stem has one or more flowers

More from Merriam-Webster on panicle

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