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 includes squash, cucumbers, sunflowers, beans, and peas, root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and beets. —Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026

Ranunculus and eucalyptus are available now, while sunflowers, dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, roses and mini marigolds will available as the season progresses. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Her tip for having constant sunflowers all summer long and to have them as cut flowers is to plant sunflowers each week from spring till first frost. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

Next, apply a very thin, even layer of high-smoke-point oil—such as grapeseed, avocado, or sunflower—to the entire surface, inside and out, and wipe away any excess. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 5 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