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

Her favorite work is of a lone tree covered in pink petals, centered on a black canvas. —Jane Park, Journal Sentinel, 15 July 2024

The new flowers hide old, spent blooms which eventually drop their petals, so there is no need to deadhead. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024

Treats include malai gulab jamun (like Indian doughnuts), laddu rose (fruity balls covered in rose petals) and butterscotch rolls. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2024

The photographs are shot through a soft focus lens which adds a romantic atmosphere, and in some images the subjects are surrounded by rose petals or bouquets. —Sara Youngblood Gregory, Them, 1 July 2024

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

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