flower

/ˈflaʊər/
nounBeginner
formal

The reproductive structure of a plant, typically colorful and fragrant, which contains the organs for reproduction.

She picked a beautiful flower from the garden.

The flower bloomed in the springtime.

💡

The term can also refer to the plant itself, especially when cultivated for its flowers.

informal

A person or thing that is considered the best or most outstanding in a particular field or category.

He is the flower of the basketball team.

She was the flower of the class, always excelling in her studies.

💡

This usage is less common and often poetic or metaphorical.

Collocations

flower arrangementA decorative display of flowers.flower shopA store that sells flowers and related items.flower bedA section of a garden where flowers are planted.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

in full flowerphrase
At the peak of development or beauty.
flower childphrase
A person associated with the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s, often characterized by pacifism and love of nature.

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

The word 'flower' is most commonly used to refer to the colorful part of a plant, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone as the best in their field.

Gold Rule

Singular and Plural

The word 'flower' can be both singular and plural, but when referring to the plant itself, it is often used in the plural form (e.g., 'flowers in the garden').

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'flour,' from Old French 'flour,' from Latin 'flos,' meaning 'flower.'

📝Usage Notes

The word 'flower' is often used in both literal and metaphorical senses. In botany, it refers specifically to the reproductive part of a plant, while in everyday language, it can also refer to the plant itself or be used to describe something or someone as the best in their category.

Word Breakdown

flour
A fine powder made from grinding grain, especially wheat.
root
+
-er
A suffix indicating a person or thing that performs an action.
suffix
English Dictionary