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.
Hoplia damage: Adult hoplia beetles can destroy our beautiful blooms and stamens with their chewing. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 When To Cut Zinnias For Vases Harvest zinnias when the little yellow flowers (stamens) begin to develop in the center. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025 Semi-double: Flowers have prominent stamens but a large number of outer petals. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025 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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stamen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stamen. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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

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