strawflower

noun

straw·​flow·​er ˈstrȯ-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce strawflower (audio)
: any of several plants having everlasting flowers
especially : an Australian composite herb (Xerochrysum bracteatum) that is widely cultivated for its brightly colored flower heads in which papery bracts resembling ray flowers surround a central disk

Illustration of strawflower

Illustration of strawflower

Examples of strawflower 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.
For specialty items like strawflower, go to a local floral shop. — Deanna Kizis, Sunset Magazine, 26 Oct. 2022 Annuals—like kochia, four-o'clock, strawflower, impatiens, moonflower, and angel's-trumpet—and perennials—like peony, bee balm, and hosta—can substitute for shrubs the first year or two. — Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2023 Flowers which air dry well include goldenrod, hydrangea, statice, strawflower, celosia, rosebuds, yarrow, globe amaranth, grass plumes, rudbeckia, bachelor's buttons, zinnias and sunflower, to name a few. — Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 4 Nov. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of strawflower was circa 1922

Rhymes for strawflower

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Browse Nearby Words

straw fiddle
strawflower
straw-hat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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