Langimage
English

flowers

|flow/ers|

A1

🇺🇸

/ˈflaʊər/

🇬🇧

/ˈflaʊə/

(flower)

blooming plant part

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounVerbAdjectiveAdjective
flowerflowersflowersfloweredfloweredfloweringflowersfloweringfloweredflowery
Etymology
Etymology Information

'flower' originates from Old French 'flor'/'flour', which in turn comes from Latin 'flōs, flōris' meaning 'flower, blossom'.

Historical Evolution

'flower' entered Middle English as 'flour' or 'flour(e)' from Old French 'flor'/'flour' and eventually became the modern English form 'flower'.

Meaning Changes

Initially it meant 'a blossom or bloom', and over time it has retained that central meaning while also extending metaphorically (e.g., 'the flower of youth' meaning the prime of life).

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the blossom or bloom of a plant; the often colorful reproductive structure of a plant.

The garden is full of flowers.

Synonyms

Antonyms

buds (before opening)withered flowers

Noun 2

cut or cultivated plants used for decoration or as gifts (arrangements, bouquets, single stems).

She brought fresh flowers to the party.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

third person singular present form of 'flower': to produce or open blossoms; to bloom.

The cherry tree flowers in early April.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

third person singular present form of 'flower': to decorate or adorn with flowers (transitive use).

Every Sunday she flowers the church altar.

Synonyms

Antonyms

strip (of decoration)

Last updated: 2025/09/13 15:56