inflorescence

noun

in·​flo·​res·​cence ˌin-flə-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce inflorescence (audio)
1
a
: the mode of development and arrangement of flowers on an axis
b
: a floral axis with its appendages
also : a flower cluster
2
: the budding and unfolding of blossoms : flowering

Illustration of inflorescence

Illustration of inflorescence
  • 1 raceme
  • 2 corymb
  • 3 umbel
  • 4 compound umbel
  • 5 capitulum
  • 6 spike
  • 7 compound spike
  • 8 panicle
  • 9 cyme

Examples of inflorescence 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.
In white fonio, the inflorescence is composed of 3–5 digitate racemes with spikelets in pairs or threes. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Mar. 2026 Astilbe can vary considerably as to plant size, inflorescence shape, leaf color and shape, and bloom period. — Judy Nauseef, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026 They are also bred with other species to help select for cold tolerance or inflorescence (flower cluster) shape. — Dr. Nick Goltz, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025 In most flowers, sepals are a whorl of green, known as a calyx, at the base of the petals, but here sepals, which are pointed, make up the entire inflorescence. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflorescence

Word History

Etymology

New Latin inflorescentia, from Late Latin inflorescent-, inflorescens, present participle of inflorescere to begin to bloom, from Latin in- + florescere to begin to bloom — more at florescence

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflorescence was in 1760

Rhymes for inflorescence

See All Rhymes for inflorescence

Browse Nearby Words

in flood
inflorescence
inflorescent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflorescence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inflorescence

noun
in·​flo·​res·​cence ˌin-flə-ˈres-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce inflorescence (audio)
1
a
: the pattern of development and arrangement of flowers on a stalk
b
: a flowering stalk with all its parts
also : a flower cluster or sometimes a flower that grows alone
2
: the forming and unfolding of blossoms

More from Merriam-Webster on inflorescence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inflorescence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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