florist

American  

[flawr-ist, flohr-, flor-] / ˈflɔr ɪst, ˈfloʊr-, ˈflɒr- /

noun

1. a retailer of flowers, ornamental plants, etc.

2. a grower of flowers.

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florist British  

/ ˈflɒrɪst /

noun

1. a person who grows or deals in flowers

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Etymology

Origin of florist

First recorded in 1615–25; flor- + -ist

Explanation

A florist is someone whose job involves arranging and selling cut flowers. If you can't decide what flowers to buy your mom for Mother's Day, you can ask a florist for advice. It's most common to call the owner or manager of a flower shop a florist, although the word is also used to mean a person who grows flowers meant for cutting. Whether you're buying flowers for a sick friend or planning the bouquets for a wedding, a florist is the person you should consult. Florist comes from the French fleuriste, from the Latin root word flos, or "flower."

Example Sentences

My mom worked a number of service jobs over the course of her life, whether it was as a baker or a florist at a grocery store or working at a customer call center.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

“People are scared to open their mouths,” said Reba Campbell, 64, who works in a florist in sleepy downtown Oakdale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

She works as a florist and models on the side, even appearing in the pages of Vogue.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

For Muthoni, the florist, it comes down to how someone wants to express their love.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

The bad news is that they have been donated by Jessica’s father, the florist.

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt