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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rōz’s Evergreen Style Cream pairs glycerin, sunflower oil, and shea butter to moisturize and soften with carnauba wax and styling polymers for flexible definition that still lets hair move. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026 Across Europe, heat and water shortages have damaged maize, soybean and sunflower crops, with some harvest forecasts falling 14% below recent averages. — Shooka Bidarian, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Those bits consist of the best-ever everything bagel seasoning, which is paired with a creamy sunflower dressing. — Anthony Todd, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 The collection contains 20 stamps with five individual images, including photographs of sunflowers and a teapot. — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sunflower

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sunflower was in 1597

Rhymes for sunflower

See All Rhymes for sunflower

Browse Nearby Words

sunfish family
sunflower
sunflower beetle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sunflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunflower. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sunflower

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