monkey flower

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Mimulus, of the figwort family, as M. cardinalis scarlet monkey flower, having spotted flowers that resemble a face.

monkey flower

noun

1. See musk
   any of various scrophulariaceous plants of the genus Mimulus, cultivated for their yellow or red flowers See also musk

Word History and Origins

Origin of monkey flower¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Under foot were white violets and wee, monkey-faced mimulus, with occasionally a rare scarlet monkey-flower.

From Project Gutenberg

The rose-purple monkey-flower is very common and conspicuous in the lower meadows, along the streams.

From Project Gutenberg

Higher up, large meadow areas are arrayed in bright yellow by the alpine monkey-flower.

From Project Gutenberg

The bright canary-colored blossoms of the common monkey-flower are a familiar sight upon almost every stream-bank.

From Project Gutenberg

The leaves are quite unlike those of the Common Yellow Monkey-flower.

From Project Gutenberg