sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er ˈsən-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce sunflower (audio)
: 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
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.
This is thanks to nourishing ingredients like green tea, sunflower seed oil, and Cica that hydrate and soothe skin on top of protecting it. Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 June 2025 Planters is among several widely available brands that sell sunflower kernels at major grocery stores. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 27 June 2025 The original formula blends beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and peppermint oil. Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 24 June 2025 Carrot Ginger Soup was rich, but not overly so and offered an explosion of flavors, as it is topped with sunflower seeds and cilantro - here is another can’t miss dish. Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sunflower

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunflower was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sunflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunflower. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sunflower

noun
sun·​flow·​er -ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce sunflower (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on sunflower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!