sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er ˈsən-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: any of a genus (Helianthus, especially H. annuus) of New World composite plants with large yellow-rayed flower heads bearing edible seeds that yield an edible oil

Examples of sunflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bring your own mason jar or purchase one onsite ($5) to collect dozens of different types of blooms from zinnias, dahlias and sunflowers to green mist, bells of Ireland and other types of foliage. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 June 2026

In addition to sunflowers, goldfinches also love purple cone flowers, thistles, zinnias, Hooker’s evening primrose, milkweed and some weeds, including dandelions and pineapple weed. —Joan Morris, Mercury News, 1 June 2026

Make a trip to the garden center to find plants that bloom in the down times, like these late-summer sunflowers. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 June 2026

Keep succession planting sunflowers. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sunflower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• wallflower
• watchtower
• wildflower

Kids Definition

sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er -ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: any of a genus of tall herbs that are often grown for their large showy flower heads with yellow ray flowers and for their oil-rich seeds