Illustration of flower
- 1 filament
- 2 anther
- 3 stigma
- 4 style
- 5 petal
- 6 ovary
- 7 sepal
- 8 pedicel
- 9 stamen
- 10 pistil
- 11 perianth
flow·er
ˈflau̇(-ə)r 
1
a
: the specialized part of an angiospermous plant that occurs singly or in clusters, possesses whorls of often colorful petals or sepals, and bears the reproductive structures (such as stamens or pistils) involved in the development of seeds and fruit : blossom
b
: a cluster of small flowers growing closely together that resembles and is often viewed as a single flower : inflorescence
a hydrangea flower
c
: a plant grown or valued for its flowers
planted flowers in the front yard
d
: a cut stem of a plant with its flower
a bouquet of flowers
e
: bloom entry 2 sense 1b
lilacs in full flower
2
a
: the best part or example
the flower of our youth
b
: the finest most vigorous period
wasted the flower of their lives
c
: a state of blooming or flourishing
in full flower
3
flowers plural
: a finely divided powder produced especially by condensation or sublimation
flowers of sulfur
flowered; flowering; flowers
1
a
: develop
flowered into young womanhood
b
: flourish sense 2
a movement that flowered in the early 21st century
Examples of flower in a Sentence
Noun
We planted flowers in the garden.
He sent her a bouquet of flowers.
He wore a single flower in his lapel.
Verb
This tree flowers in early spring.
The plant will flower every other year.
His genius flowered at the university.
a political movement that began to flower during the 1960s
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
In the recent cold weather, my coonties, which are Florida native plants, and my society garlic plants, blooming with tiny purple flowers, all survived and are flourishing.
—Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
In cooler climates, planting tulips in the fall leverages the natural 10- to 14-week cold period the bulbs need to flower.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flower
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.
Noun
Long-haul travelers can opt for a head and shoulder reliever or a fragrant, relaxing bath infused with indigenous flowers.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
In the recent cold weather, my coonties, which are Florida native plants, and my society garlic plants, blooming with tiny purple flowers, all survived and are flourishing.
—Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
Some bloom once per year, while others flower continuously with deadheading.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
In cooler climates, planting tulips in the fall leverages the natural 10- to 14-week cold period the bulbs need to flower.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flower
Cite this Entry
“Flower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flower. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flower
1 of 2 noun
flow·er
ˈflau̇(-ə)r
1
a
: a specialized plant part that occurs singly or in clusters, possesses often colorful petals or sepals, and bears reproductive organs involved in the development of seeds and fruit : blossom
b
: a cluster of small flowers growing closely together that resembles and is often viewed as a single flower : inflorescence
a hydrangea flower
c
: a plant grown or valued for its flowers
planted flowers
d
: a cut stem of a plant with its flower
a bouquet of flowers
2
: the best part or example
in the flower of his youth
flower
2 of 2 verb1
: to produce flowers : bloom
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
