stamen

noun

sta·​men ˈstā-mən How to pronounce stamen (audio)
plural stamens also stamina ˈstā-mə-nə How to pronounce stamen (audio) ˈsta- How to pronounce stamen (audio)
: a microsporophyll of a seed plant
specifically : the pollen-producing male organ of a flower that consists of an anther and a filament see flower illustration

Examples of stamen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Papery white blooms with golden stamens put on a long-lasting display from June to August, while foliage takes on jewel tones in autumn. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025 Its flowers, however, are exceedingly unusual with their pyrotechnic, gold-tipped, purple stamens. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025 Double flowers occur from mutations that convert the pollen-producing stamens and other reproductive organs into petals. Claire Therese Hemingway, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2025 The stamens were twisted, unlike most other varieties, which were straight. Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 As July progresses, the many tiny blooms — each with four petals and fuzzy stamens — will appear like pink, fluffy balls of yarn. Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 Botanically speaking, azaleas usually have 5 stamens, rhododendrons often have 10 or more. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, warp, thread, from stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stamen was in 1668

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stamen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stamen. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

stamen

noun
sta·​men ˈstā-mən How to pronounce stamen (audio)
plural stamens also stamina ˈstā-mə-nə How to pronounce stamen (audio)
ˈstam-ə-
: an organ of a flower that consists of an anther and a filament and produces the pollen

More from Merriam-Webster on stamen

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