bluet

noun

blu·​et ˈblü-ət How to pronounce bluet (audio)
: any of several perennial North American herbs (genus Hedyotis synonym Houstonia) of the madder family
especially : one (Hedyotis caerulea synonym Houstonia caerulea) having tufted stems and bluish, white, or purplish flowers with yellow centers

Examples of bluet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her favorite species in southeastern Wisconsin are the double-striped bluet damselfly and widow skimmer dragonfly. Jennifer Rude Klett, Journal Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2022 Beware, perennial bachelor's button also goes by names like mountain bluet, corn flower, and basket flower, but all are bad news. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2022 The remains of an old CCC latrine stand amid a meadow of tiny, violet flowers called bluets. Sarah Kaplan, chicagotribune.com, 11 Sep. 2019 There are Johnny-jump-ups and spring beauties and little bluets. David Grann, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bluet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably from blue entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bluet was circa 1821

Dictionary Entries Near bluet

Cite this Entry

“Bluet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bluet. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bluet

noun
blu·​et ˈblü-ət How to pronounce bluet (audio)
: a low North American herb bearing small bluish or white flowers
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!