Showing results for "flourishing"

• present participle of flourish.

flourishing

American  

[flur-i-shing, fluhr-] / ˈflɜr ɪ ʃɪŋ, ˈflʌr- /

adjective

1. growing vigorously; thriving; prosperous.

   a flourishing little business.

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Other Word Forms

• unflourishing
  adjective
• flourishingly
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of flourishing

A Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at flourish, -ing ²

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Explanation

When something is flourishing, it's healthy or successful. Your flourishing lemonade stand is especially busy on hot summer afternoons. A flourishing rose bush has glossy green leaves and bright blossoms, and a city's flourishing music scene means you can see live bands every weekend and hear many different types of music. This adjective is used today for anything that's thriving or prospering, but originally it meant "full of flowers," from the Latin root flos, "a flower."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

flourishing

He also threw himself enthusiastically into the flourishing local theatre.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

Executive education programs are flourishing as business leaders seek additional training and a safe space to commiserate with their peers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026

Indeed, the words "HELP" and "SOS" have been scratched out in the weeds now flourishing on the exposed lake bed.

From Barron's ● Oct. 4, 2026

He said: "These flourishing shoots are really encouraging and show the special measures we've taken, including reducing soil compaction around the roots and limiting human disturbance, are paying off."

From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026

While visiting the barn to oversee his horses, Giannini noticed how Oriley was flourishing under Smith’s care.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

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Related Words

• blooming
• burgeoning
• expanding
• growing
• prosperous
• thriving

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