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

This popular puzzle creates two striking sunflowers with tall stems and moveable leaves. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

The first ingredient is the main veggie (broccoli, spinach, or sweet potato), then potatoes, onions, potato flakes, canola oil or sunflower oil, egg whites, arrowroot powder, salt, and garlic. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2025

Gardening Gifts Under $25 The gardener in your life will be happy to receive this five-piece gardening tool set, a sunflower planter kit for their windowsill, or a glass terrarium for leaf cuttings. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025

Add roasted or raw, shelled sunflower seeds to a food processor and process until smooth. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2025

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