flower
The primary image is one of organic beauty, fragrance, and the peak of a biological cycle. It carries a strong positive connotation associated with nature, growth, and fragility. When used metaphorically to describe a person or period (e.g., "the flower of youth"), it suggests a state of absolute perfection and vitality before an inevitable decline. This usage is more poetic and formal than the literal botanical meaning. As a verb, it describes a transition from potential to realization. While "bloom" is often used interchangeably, "flower" can lean more toward the result (the flower itself) or the broader process of reaching full maturity and success.
Countable when referring to the individual blossoms on a stem ('I bought three flowers'). Uncountable when used metaphorically to describe a peak period of life or beauty ('in the flower of youth').
💬Casual Conversation
Dude, David wants a flower for his desk. You got this, right?
Seriously? I'm swamped. And what kind of flower?
Meanings
The seed-bearing part of a plant, consisting of organs that are typically colorful and fragrant.
"She picked a single red flower from the garden."
The finest or most successful part or period of something.
"He was in the flower of his youth when he won the championship."
Collocations & Compounds
flower arrangement
A decorative grouping of flowers.
She created a beautiful flower arrangement for the centerpiece.
flower garden
A garden where flowers are grown.
They spent the afternoon weeding their flower garden.
flower pot
A container in which a plant is grown.
He placed the new flower pot on the windowsill.
flower press
A device used to press flowers for preservation.
She used a flower press to keep her favorite blooms.
flower show
An exhibition of flowers.
The annual flower show attracts visitors from all over the country.
Idioms & Sayings
a wallflower
A shy or unnoticed person, especially at a social gathering.
He was a bit of a wallflower at the party, standing by himself.
the flower of something
The best or most outstanding example of a particular group.
The army recruited the flower of the nation's youth.
in full flower
At the peak of development or beauty.
The roses are in full flower this week.
to flower
To develop or flourish; to mature.
Her talents began to flower when she joined the art club.
Etymology
The word 'flower' comes from the Old French word 'flour', meaning 'flour' or 'blossom'. This, in turn, derives from the Latin word 'flos', meaning 'blossom' or 'flower'. The connection to 'flour' (the milled grain) comes from the idea of the finest part of something, like the bloom of a plant. It entered English in the late 13th century.