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
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
Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
For a chic and durable centerpiece, fill this Natural Acacia Wood Footed Bowl with fruit, flowers, or potpourri depending on the season.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2025
Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Plant along pathways and beneath flowering shrubs for low maintenance charm.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flower
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Noun
Light and Delicate Rosé Wines Usually very pale pink and/or salmon color with common aromas and/or flavors of strawberry, flowers, watermelon, and citrus.
—Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
For a chic and durable centerpiece, fill this Natural Acacia Wood Footed Bowl with fruit, flowers, or potpourri depending on the season.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2025
Verb
Staggering the height of flowering vertical growers.
—Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Plant along pathways and beneath flowering shrubs for low maintenance charm.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flower
Cite this Entry
“Flower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flower. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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
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