verb

flourish

FLUHR-ihsh

verb

To grow, develop, or succeed vigorously.

"Small businesses flourished in the years after the recession ended."

"Her career really began to flourish once she moved to the city."

To wave or brandish something in a bold, showy way.

"He flourished his ticket triumphantly as he walked through the gate."

noun

A bold, decorative gesture or embellishment.

"She signed the letter with an elaborate flourish."

How to Use Flourish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo thrive and do well, or (as a noun/verb) to make a showy, dramatic gesture.

Memory tip

Think of a plant flourishing — bursting with healthy growth — and apply that same energy to a business, career, or style of writing.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

flourish under a flourish of the pen businesses flourish with a flourish

flourished past tense, flourishes plural, flourishes singular

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Small businesses _____ in the years after the recession ended.

From Old French florir, "to flower," ultimately from Latin florere ("to bloom"), the same root behind "flower" and "florid."

nourish amateurish