stamen

noun

sta·​men ˈstā-mən How to pronounce stamen (audio)
plural stamens also stamina ˈstā-mə-nə How to pronounce stamen (audio) ˈsta- How to pronounce stamen (audio)
: a microsporophyll of a seed plant
specifically : the pollen-producing male organ of a flower that consists of an anther and a filament see flower illustration

Examples of stamen 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.
The 130-piece kit includes 25 stamens, 45 flowers, 50 leaves, 8 bases, and a watering pot. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 27 Sep. 2024 Papery white blooms with golden stamens put on a long-lasting display from June to August, while foliage takes on jewel tones in autumn. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2024 Pure white petals encircle golden stamens and glow at dusk. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 22 May 2024 Herbaceous 'Belle Center': Almost fully double blooms form around a cluster of stamens. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 22 May 2024 Flowers may be single, semi-double, or double, usually with a central burst of bright yellow stamens. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2024 Remove stamens from lilies before placing them into arrangements. Nicole Pajer, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023 Leafless spears of golden flowers with long, protruding stamens reminiscent of spider legs appear without warning in September and October following a good downpour. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2023 Flowers are built from parts named sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels, which are arranged in whorls. Dhananjay Khadilkar, Ars Technica, 24 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin, warp, thread, from stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stamen was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near stamen

Cite this Entry

“Stamen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stamen. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

stamen

noun
sta·​men ˈstā-mən How to pronounce stamen (audio)
plural stamens also stamina ˈstā-mə-nə How to pronounce stamen (audio)
ˈstam-ə-
: an organ of a flower that consists of an anther and a filament and produces the pollen

More from Merriam-Webster on stamen

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!