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 full 125- to-135-petal-count blooms display yellow-copper tones with pink outer petals and emit a mild fragrance. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026

Robbie's custom Chanel creation included a corseted bodice and a floor-length velvet skirt embellished with feathers and silk petals, which was draped over ivory silk faille. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026

The first affront might be the beckoning bed strewn with red rose petals. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026

When you’re done, draw a warm bath, sprinkle in about ¼ cup of the Milk & Rose Magnesium Salt Soak, and immerse yourself in the milky water and delicate rose petals for about 15 minutes. —Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 4 Feb. 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