sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er ˈsən-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: 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

The radiance and fresh-grapefruit scent linger on the skin; so do the moisturizing sunflower, passion fruit, açai, babassu, and rice bran oils. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

Fatty acids found in oils like sunflower or olive oil are mixed with hydrogen peroxide. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025

His affection for sunflowers deepened after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. —Christine Fernando, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025

Pollen is abundant, Cho adds—a single floret of the common sunflower, for instance, produces 25,000 to 67,000 grains every summer. —Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sunflower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• wallflower
• watchtower
• wildflower

Kids Definition

sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er -ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: 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