flower-bed

IPA/ˈflaʊə bed/
IPA/ˈflaʊər bed/

flower-bed — noun

1. A bed-like area in an outdoor space where people grow decorative plants, typical

1.nounB1
Definition

A bed-like area in an outdoor space where people grow decorative plants, typically marked off by a border, edging, or change in soil level.

Example

Anong planted tulip bulbs in the flower-bed beside the front gate last autumn.

preposition: in a flower-bed, beside [location]

The gardener carefully weeded the flower-bed before covering it with fresh mulch.

Common collocations
  • plant a flower-bed
  • weed a flower-bed
  • water a flower-bed
  • raised flower-bed
  • circular flower-bed
  • flower-bed of roses
Synonyms
  • flower bed

    same meaning, usually written as two separate words

  • flower border

    a flower-bed that runs along the edge of a path or lawn

  • flower patch

    a less formal, smaller area where flowers grow

Grammar Patterns

flower-bed + of + [plants]

adjective + flower-bed

in/into a flower-bed

Usage Note

Often written as two words (flower bed) or with a hyphen (flower-bed). Both forms are common in British and American English.

Common Mistakes

I put the flower in the flower-bed pot.
I put the flower in a flower bed in the garden.
A flower-bed is an area of ground, not a container. For containers, use planter, pot, or flowerpot.

2. Any area used for planting and displaying flowers, including in public spaces, b

2.nounB1
Definition

Any area used for planting and displaying flowers, including in public spaces, beside buildings, or on balconies.

Example

The city council created new flower-beds along the main shopping street last spring.

verb: create / plant / make a flower-bed

Diego's balcony has a small flower-bed where he grows herbs and roses.

Common collocations
  • create a flower-bed
  • flower-bed along the street
  • flower-bed of wildflowers
  • turn into a flower-bed
Synonyms
  • flower bed

    same meaning; can be used for any type of planting area

  • flower plot

    a small piece of land for flowers, often in a garden

  • flower garden

    a larger area, not just a single bed, dedicated to flowers

Grammar Patterns

create + flower-bed

turn [space] into + flower-bed

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Flower-bed and flower bed mean the same thing — the hyphen is just a spelling variant, and both are common. A flower border is a long, narrow bed placed along a wall, fence, or path, often with taller plants at the back. A flower patch is smaller and less formal; you might have one in a corner of a backyard without any special edging. A flower garden is a much larger area — it may contain several beds, borders, paths, and seating. For example: 'She planted lavender along the flower border by the fence.' 'The children dug a small flower patch behind the shed.' 'Their flower garden has three different beds and a bench.'

flower bedflower borderflower patchflower garden

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • plant a flower-bed
  • weed a flower-bed
  • water a flower-bed
  • create a flower-bed
  • turn into a flower-bed

Prepositions