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

July through September brings the most color, and wild sunflowers are well-known for growing here. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025

It’s packed with skin-loving, odor-fighting ingredients including Vitamin E oil, chamomile extract, elderberry fruit extract, aloe, prickly pear fruit extract, sunflower seed oil, and safflower seed oil. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

But the sunflowers are in full bloom. —Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

To wit, Dyson’s new Omega Hydrating Hair Oil contains sunflower oil derived from the company’s farm in northern England. —Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 2 Sep. 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