blue flower

1 of 2

noun (1)

sometimes capitalized B&F
: the mystic vague object of romanticist longing especially in the 19th century
usually used with preceding the
always in search of the blue flowerWilli Apel

blue flower

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a pale blue that is redder, lighter, and stronger than average powder blue or Sistine and greener, lighter, and stronger than average cadet gray

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

translation of German blaue blume, symbol of poetry in Heinrich von Ofterdingen (1802), fragmentary novel by Baron Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis) †1801 German poet

Noun (2)

blue entry 1 + flower

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near blue flower

Cite this Entry

“Blue flower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blue%20flower. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!