Definition of sunflower
: 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
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of sunflower from the Web
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The superstar brought each a sunflower and a teddy bear, according to Lauren Thorpe, whose eight-year-old daughter, Lily, suffered a shrapnel wound in her back as a result of the bombing.
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In Abilene, Kan., once a thriving, rowdy cattle town, sunflowers stretched high in the middle of the streets.
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Some like corn, beans and sunflowers can be sown directly in the ground but others including tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, marigolds and salvias are best started as transplants in containers.
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This meat-free burger uses nuts (cashews), seeds (sunflower), and grains (brown rice).
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Seeds, including flax seeds and sunflower seeds, have beneficial oils, fiber and vitamins.
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Our city is in the midst of a great bread renaissance, one marked by sunflower ryes and nutty sourdoughs worth traveling for.
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Scientists have come up with a cell-phone cover that grows into a sunflower when thrown away.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sunflower'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of sunflower
1597
SUNFLOWER Defined for English Language Learners
sunflower
playDefinition of sunflower for English Language Learners
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: a tall plant that has very large yellow flowers and that produces seeds which can be eaten
SUNFLOWER Defined for Kids
sunflower
playDefinition of sunflower for Students
: a tall plant often grown for its large flower heads with brown center and yellow petals or for its edible oily seeds
Learn More about sunflower
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See words that rhyme with sunflower Spanish Central: Translation of sunflower Nglish: Translation of sunflower for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sunflower for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sunflower
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