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

Most of the flower petals have fallen off, but the remaining leaves and stems seem healthy. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026

But Jewish artist Nina Sanadze saw a chance to immortalize the bouquets, even as their petals faded and decomposed. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026

Their 2020 Clos Nouveau has enticing aromas of rose petals and crushed violet flowers, red raspberry, and black cherry. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2026

The moisturizing formula keeps your lips soft all day, and the fragrance notes of lychee blossom, rose petals, and vanilla orchid leaves behind a gentle, comforting scent. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 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
• diacetyl
• gunmetal
• nonmetal
• resettle

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