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
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The new museum complex in the Brumadinho region will also feature some 15,000 trees and a million shrubs, cacti, and flowering plants in a design inspired by Paz’s relationship with 20th-century landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Sake, flowering plants, and fresh wood notes make sure of that. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 Companion planting with flowering plants, like yarrow, zinnias, and sunflowers, attracts beneficial insects that naturally control pests. Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026 Many species are natural predators that feed on caterpillars, aphids, flies, hornworms, and other insects that can damage vegetable gardens, flowering plants, and ornamental shrubs. Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 July 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Flowering plant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flowering%20plant. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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

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