bouquet

American  

[boh-key, boo-, boo-key, boh-] / boʊˈkeɪ, bu-, buˈkeɪ, boʊ- /

noun

1. a bunch of flowers; nosegay.

2. a compliment.

   The drama critics greeted her performance with bouquets.

3. the characteristic aroma of wines, liqueurs, etc.

   Synonyms:

   nose, perfume, fragrance, odor, scent

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bouquet British  

noun

1. a bunch of flowers, esp a large carefully arranged one

2. Also called: nose.  the characteristic aroma or fragrance of a wine or liqueur

3. a compliment or expression of praise

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Etymology

Origin of bouquet

1710–20; < French: bunch, originally thicket, grove; Old French bosquet, equivalent to bosc wood (< Germanic; bosk, bush ¹ ) + -et -et

Explanation

A bouquet is an arrangement of flowers. A simple bouquet of flowers from your garden makes a lovely centerpiece for your table or a nice hostess gift when you are a guest. The word bouquet comes from the Old French term meaning "clump of trees." Because it would be difficult for a bride to lug a clump of trees down the aisle at her wedding, thankfully the word now means "a small bunch of arranged flowers." Bouquet can also describe the scent of these flowers, or anything that is a blend of scents, like perfume or wine.

Example Sentences

Today’s red-pilled men would find much in common with Soames’ worldview, while women may recognize him as a bouquet of red flags wrapped in a bespoke suit.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

In Boston, a flower importer enacted its third price hike in 12 months by putting fewer stems in a bouquet.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

To conclude the workshop, Vicioso encourages participants to build lasting friendships and incorporate flower arranging into their daily practice — even if it’s just with a small, inexpensive bouquet.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

Forget that box of bonbons or bouquet of posies.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

Then he handed the bouquet over to Beatrice.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• garland
• pot
• vase
• wreath