petal

noun

pet·​al ˈpe-tᵊl 

: one of the modified often brightly colored leaves of the corolla of a flower see flower illustration

petaled adjective

or petalled

ˈpe-tᵊld 

petallike

ˈpe-tᵊl-ˌ(l)īk 

adjective

Examples of petal in a Sentence

flowers with pink and white petals

Recent Examples on the Web

The table was covered in red rose petals, and the couple wore black and white formalwear. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026

While exploring the property, guests may even spot the rose named in her honor—a fragrant hybrid tea with more than 100 petals in soft pinks and apricots. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026

These cheerful little flowers are also identifiable by their bright yellow centers, providing a beautiful contrast with their petals. — Kate McKenna Published, The Spruce, 15 Sep. 2026

Sneezeweed is more compact than the black-eyed Susan with shorter, toothed yellow petals and a yellow central disk. — Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin petalum, from Greek petalon; akin to Greek petannynai to spread out — more at fathom

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing petal

• banner petal
• standard petal

Rhymes for petal

• betel
• cetyl
• kettle
• metal
• mettle
• nettle
• setal
• settle
• acetyl
• bimetal
• gunmetal
• nonmetal

Kids Definition

petal

noun

pet·​al ˈpet-ᵊl 

: one of the often brightly colored modified leaves that make up the corolla of a flower

petaled adjective

or petalled

-ᵊld 

petallike

-ᵊl-ˌ(l)īk 

adjective