flowering plant

noun

plural flowering plants
: any of a class (Angiospermae) of vascular plants that have male and female reproductive structures enclosed in a flower, that have seeds which arise from ovules contained in the ovaries, and that produce dry or fleshy fruits after double fertilization : angiosperm
The butterflies feed off the nectar of any flowering plant and lay their eggs on what's called a host plant.Michael Fitzpatrick
About 75% of all flowering plants rely on animal pollinators and over 200,000 species of animals act as pollinators.Steve Smith
Duckweed, the smallest flowering plant, measures less than 5 millimeters across.Timothy Cooney et al.

Examples of flowering plant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Ginger comes from a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024 Try Companion Planting Basil and other strongly scented herbs naturally repel thrips, while flowering plants, like yarrow, dill, and parsley, attract ladybugs and other thrip predators. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2024 During the breeding season, Costa's hummingbirds can be found in desert habitats, particularly areas with blooming ocotillo and other flowering plants. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024 She’s chosen and planted as many species of flowering plants as possible for this farm, which today boasts 350 different varieties. Jennifer Weil, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flowering plant 

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flowering plant was in 1725

Dictionary Entries Near flowering plant

Cite this Entry

“Flowering plant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flowering%20plant. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

flowering plant

noun
: any of a major group of higher plants that produce flowers, fruits, and seeds with the seeds in a closed ovary

called also angiosperm

compare seed plant

More from Merriam-Webster on flowering plant

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