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.
The muffins get a double dose of sunflower from both sunflower oil and the seeds. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 6 Sep. 2026 Later this fall, the farm and museum, which still grows corn, pumpkins and sunflowers that are sold at various events, is set to construct an outdoor ceremony space equipped with a pergola that will be made to match the natural wood of the barn. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026 Continue reading … COCKPIT CHAOS — Stolen plane flies toward nuclear plant before crash-landing in sunflower field. — FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 And 3 tablespoons of sunflower seeds provide about 100 mg of magnesium and 6 g of protein. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 31 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

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Browse Nearby Words

sunfish family
sunflower
sunflower beetle
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Cite this Entry

“Sunflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunflower. Accessed 7 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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