flourishing

adjective

flour·​ish·​ing ˈflər-i-shiŋ 

ˈflə-rish

: marked by vigorous and healthy growth

a flourishing garden

: very active and successful

a flourishing career

flourishingly adverb

flourishingly vibrant begonias

Even a few years ago, scientists had studied only a handful of galactic specimens. But recently, galaxy collections have grown flourishingly.

—Ann Finkbeiner

Synonyms

• successful
• prosperous
• thriving

Examples of flourishing in a Sentence

a flourishing actor in the early years of the talkies

a flourishing market in sports memorabilia

a flourishing community that has become a major beneficiary of the high-tech boom

Recent Examples on the Web

Through underwater sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests, and the vast ocean life, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 5 June 2025

When other Black families started buying lots around the Bruce’s beach, the flourishing resort area was met with hostility from white residents. —Mariette Williams, Essence, 21 May 2025

Still, none of these speculations about their respective temperaments explains why the boys, seemingly deeply loved and flourishing, decided to opt out so early on. —Daphne Merkin, New York Times, 18 May 2025

Not every country saw flourishing increase with age. —Christina Caron, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English florysschyng, from present participle of florisshen "to flourish entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flourishing

• nourishing