hearts-and-flowers

noun plural but singular or plural in construction

: show of sentiment or sentimentality : cloying expressions of endearment

cut out the hearts-and-flowers

—Maritta Wolff

I can't stand hearts-and-flowers stuff

—Mary Miller

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!