sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er ˈsən-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce sunflower (audio)
: any of a genus (Helianthus, especially H. annuus) of New World composite plants with large yellow-rayed flower heads bearing edible seeds that yield an edible oil

Examples of sunflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Similarly, sunflower seeds and rice cakes have become a big part of people’s pivot to healthier diets, making them among the new additions to U.K.’s inflation-measuring basket. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 12 Mar. 2024 These items include air fryers, rice cakes, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, as well as spray oils, which can be dispensed more sparingly and some of which contain less fat than regular cooking oils. Hanna Ziady, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 This welcome mat is bordered by vibrant, blooming roses, daisies, tulips, and sunflowers with the occasional appearance by a ladybug or butterfly. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2024 Visitors can currently spot desert sand verbena, white dune evening primrose and yellow desert sunflower here. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate also combines tamanu oil with sunflower oil and ginger root extract, creating an antioxidant-heavy blend that helps leave your skin looking radiant and refreshed. Sophia Panych, Allure, 29 Feb. 2024 In addition to rosemary oil, The Mane Choice’s formula has hydrating soybean, castor, coconut, and sunflower seed oils. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2024 Rich with omega fatty acids, sesame and sunflower seed oils repair the skin’s moisture barrier and ease dryness and itchiness. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 In the fall, goldenrods, sunflowers, and several varieties of asters begin to bloom, while February marks the arrival of spicebush blossoms, rhododendrons, and flame azaleas. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunflower was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near sunflower

Cite this Entry

“Sunflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunflower. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sunflower

noun
sun·​flow·​er -ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce sunflower (audio)
: any of a genus of tall herbs that are often grown for their large showy flower heads with yellow ray flowers and for their oil-rich seeds

More from Merriam-Webster on sunflower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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