flowers
flowers — noun
- flowerssingular
- flowersesplural
1. On a plant, the brightly-coloured structure where seeds begin to grow; also, any
On a plant, the brightly-coloured structure where seeds begin to grow; also, any plant that people grow mainly for this feature.
Marco picked a big bunch of fresh flowers from the garden for his mother.
collocation: bunch of flowers
The flowers in the park bloom early in spring every year.
Isabela received a bouquet of white flowers after her piano recital.
collocation: bouquet of flowers
Some flowers need direct sunlight and water every day to stay healthy.
Yara pressed a small wild flower between the pages of her notebook.
- in flower
- bunch of flowers
- bouquet of flowers
- flower garden
- wild flowers
Common Mistakes
2. The time when somebody or something is at its best, most active, or most success
The time when somebody or something is at its best, most active, or most successful.
The singer's career was in full flower during the late nineteen-nineties.
in full flower — fixed phrase for peak period
Min's talent for painting was in full flower during her twenties.
The movement for equal rights came into flower after the historic march.
came into flower — began to flourish
This ancient city was in flower as a centre of trade and learning for over two centuries.
- in flower
- in full flower
- come into flower
- decline
the period when someone or something is no longer at its best
Usage Note
Almost always used in the fixed phrases 'in flower', 'in full flower', or 'come into flower'. The sense is metaphorical, not literal.
flowers — verb
- flowerspresent simple I / you / we / they
- flowerses3rd person singular
- flowersing-ing form
- flowersedpast simple
1. (of a plant or tree) to produce flowers.
(of a plant or tree) to produce flowers.
The cherry trees in the park flower in early April every year.
Devika's rose bushes flowered for the first time this summer.
This type of orchid flowers only once every three years.
frequency adverb with 'flower': only once every three years
The jasmine plant flowers at night and fills the garden with its sweet scent.
- flower in spring
- flower once a year
- start to flower
Usage Note
Used for the biological process of a plant producing flowers. For broader figurative use (talent, friendship), see the verb sense 'DEVELOP FULLY'.
Common Mistakes
2. (of a talent, feeling, or movement) to develop completely and become noticeable
(of a talent, feeling, or movement) to develop completely and become noticeable or successful.
Gabriel's love for music flowered after he joined the school choir.
The friendship between the two families flowered over many shared holidays.
Nora's interest in science flowered during the summer research programme.
flowered during — verb + time period for gradual development
Creativity flowers best when children are free to explore and ask questions.
- flower into
- flower during
- begin to flower
- wither
to become weaker and fade away; opposite of figurative flowering
Usage Note
Metaphorical extension of the literal 'flower' sense. Common with abstract subjects like talent, interest, friendship, creativity. Often used in past tense ('flowered') or present habitual form.
Etymology
First known use
13th century
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Verb