bract

noun

1
: a leaf from the axil of which a flower or floral axis arises
2
: a leaf borne on a floral axis
especially : one subtending a flower or flower cluster
bracteal adjective
bracteate adjective
bracted adjective

Examples of bract in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plants add stunning texture and shining color to the garden with metallic, lavender-blue bracts surrounding flowers that stand erect on purple stems. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 June 2025 Concurrently, the pH of the planting medium determines the color of the floral bracts on mophead hydrangeas. Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025 Much like a poinsettia, the actual flower is insignificant, but the surrounding 3 to 6 colorful bracts are spectacular. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 May 2025 The white blooms it's known for are actually four petal-like bracts that surround the real flowers. Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bract

Word History

Etymology

New Latin bractea, from Latin, thin metal plate

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bract was in 1771

Cite this Entry

“Bract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bract. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

bract

noun
: a small leaf or leaflike structure at the base of a flower or flower cluster
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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