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flower definition

flower (flo̵u′ər)

noun

    1. the seed-producing structure of an angiosperm, consisting of a shortened stem usually bearing four layers of organs, with the leaflike sepals, colorful petals, and pollen-bearing stamens unfolding around the pistils
    2. a blossom; bloom
    3. the reproductive structure of any plant
  2. a plant cultivated for its blossoms; flowering plant
  3. the best or finest part or example the flower of a country's youth
  4. the best period of a person or thing; time of flourishing
  5. something decorative; esp., a figure of speech
  6. Chem. a substance in powder form, made from condensed vapors flowers of sulfur

Etymology: ME flowre, flour, OFr flor, flour (Fr fleur) < L flos (gen. floris), a flower: see bloom

intransitive verb

  1. to produce blossoms; bloom
  2. to reach the best or most vigorous stage his genius flowered early

transitive verb

to decorate with flowers or floral patterns

Related Forms:

flower Idioms

in flower

in a state of flowering

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

flower Synonyms

flower

n.

  1. A bloom

    blossom, bud, floret, posy, pompon, efflorescence, spike, spray, cluster, head, panicle, raceme, floweret, shoot, inflorescence, cone, petals.

  2. A plant valued for its bloom

    flowering plant, wildflower, herb, vine, annual, perennial, biennial, flowering shrub, potted plant, houseplant, bulb. see also fruit 1.

    Common flowers include: daisy, violet, African violet, cowslip, jack-in-the-pulpit, goldenrod, orchid, primrose, bluebell, salvia, geranium, begonia, pansy, calendula, forsythia, daffodil, jonquil, crocus, dahlia, cosmos, zinnia, tulip, iris, lily, petunia, gladiolus, aster, carnation, baby's breath, gardenia, narcissus, rose, peony, nasturtium, cyclamen, chrysanthemum, four-o'clock, sunflower, snapdragon, hibiscus, periwinkle, gaillardia, poppy, morning-glory, lily-of-the-valley, clematis, buttercup, bougainvillea, dandelion, fuchsia, lilac, stock, sweet William, marigold, yarrow, Queen Anne's lace, bachelor's button, bleeding heart, phlox, poinsettia;


flower

v.

open, blossom, blow; see bloom.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

flower Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • scent: We can also help you choose the perfect winter scented flower for your big day.

Adjective modifier

  • wild: Below lie bright green meadows alive with wild flowers all summer.

Modifies a noun

  • bud: Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family prized for its top crowns of tender, edible, green flower buds.

Noun used with modifier

  • lotus: The entire building is covered in depictions of the lotus flower from the tops of the vast columns to the pictograms on the walls.

Preposition: in

  • bloom: Why go now: To see the spring flowers in bloom.

Preposition: from

  • mid-summer: Echinacea Echinacea pallida Purple honey scented flowers from mid-summer to early autumn.

Preposition: with

  • petal: One flower with three petals sits in the center of the three leaves.
flower usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

flower quotes

La flur de France as perdut. The flower of France is lost.

-Anonymous

Al night by the rose, rose, Al night by the rose I lay, Dorst ich nought the rose stele, And yet I bar the flour away.

-Anonymous

He was a braw gallant, And he play'd at the ba'; And the bonnie Earl of Murray Was the flower amang them a'. He was a braw gallant, And he play'd at the glove; And the bonnie Earl of Murray, O he was the Queen's luve. O lang will his lady Look owre the castle Doune, Ere she sees the Earl of Murray Come sounding thro'the toun.

-Ballads

flower quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"flower." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/flower>

APA Style

flower. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/flower

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