sunflower

American  

[suhn-flou-er] / ˈsʌnˌflaʊ ər /

noun

1. any of various composite plants of the genus Helianthus, as H. annuus, having showy, yellow-rayed flower heads often 12 inches (30 centimeters) wide, and edible seeds that yield an oil with a wide variety of uses: the state flower of Kansas.

2. Also called aster.  Furniture. a conventionalized flower motif carved in the center panels of a Connecticut chest.

---

sunflower British  

/ ˈsʌnˌflaʊə /

noun

1. any of several American plants of the genus Helianthus, esp H. annuus, having very tall thick stems, large flower heads with yellow rays, and seeds used as food, esp for poultry: family Asteraceae (composites) See also Jerusalem artichoke

2. the oil extracted from sunflower seeds, used as a salad oil, in the manufacture of margarine, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of sunflower

First recorded in 1555–65; translation of Latin flōs sōlis “flower of the sun”

Example Sentences

Sunflower flour also offers a valuable source of plant-based protein, aligning with the growing global demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly food choices.

From Science Daily • Nov. 4, 2025

Survivors have also put together an exhibition of original art and artefacts associated with the institutions in an exhibition, The Sunflower Project, which is currently on display at Linen Hall Library in Belfast.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2024

Calvin Lin, 37, and Monica Chen, 34, who arrived at Friday’s demonstration together, met a decade ago during Taiwan’s Sunflower Movement, a massive protest against a bill to boost trade with China.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2024

Sunflower sea stars are a far cry from their smaller pink cousins that you might know from Finding Nemo and SpongeBob SquarePants.

From New York Times • Mar. 6, 2024

But I already know which one I’d paint my room if we could afford it: it’s the most beautiful yellow ever, like baby-chick fluff, and it’s called Sunflower Sky.

From "Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer" by Kelly Jones