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

Those small petals ran around the neckline, marking a clear break between the structured top and the skirt’s softer construction. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 Nov. 2025

Usually among the first flowers to bloom after Russia’s notoriously frigid winter, their tiny petals are carved from white quartz and sat on nephrite stems, with bright green garnets dotting their stamens. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025

Aromas of black currant, lavender, and cardamom draw you into the glass for ethereal flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and crushed violet petal wrapped in opulent tannins. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Nov. 2025

Perhaps the best time to visit is from May to June, when the Infiorata flower festivals arrive in Italy; Spello in particular becomes a canvas of petals. —Matteo Della Grazia, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

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