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

Castor oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil add nourishment while also enhancing shine. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

Black oil sunflower seeds attract a wide variety of birds including cardinals, woodpeckers, blue jays, goldfinches, purple finches, chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Baby carrots, kale, goat cheese, and sunflower seeds take this vegetable side up a notch — perfect to saddle up next to your lamb dish. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

About 1,572 steps in another direction reveals a house resplendent with colorful, shiny pinwheels on poles as tall as sunflowers. —Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 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