blossom
BLOS-uhm
Blossom (noun) means a flower, especially one that grows on a fruit tree. Example: “The orchard was covered in white apple blossom.”
noun
1
A flower, especially one that grows on a fruit tree.
"The orchard was covered in white apple blossom."
"A single pink blossom floated down onto the bench."
"She pressed a plum blossom between the pages of her diary."
verb
1
To produce flowers; to bloom.
"The cherry trees blossom in early April."
"The roses blossomed early this year because the spring was warm."
"Wait until the pear tree blossoms and the garden will smell wonderful."
2
To develop and flourish over time.
"Their friendship blossomed into something more."
"Her talent blossomed once she started taking lessons."
"Under her patient teacher, the shy boy slowly blossomed into a confident speaker."
How to use blossom
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flower on a tree, or the act of flourishing and developing.
Common pairings
cherry blossom
blossom into
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Word forms
- Plural
- blossoms
- Third person singular
- blossoms
- Past tense
- blossomed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The orchard was covered in white apple _____.
Etymology
From Old English blostm, related to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to bloom or thrive," also the source of the Latin word for "flower."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “blossom” mean?
The word “blossom” means a flower, especially one that grows on a fruit tree. In plain terms, a flower on a tree, or the act of flourishing and developing.
How do you pronounce “blossom”?
“Blossom” is pronounced BLOS-uhm (/ˈblɑ.səm/ in IPA).
How do you use “blossom” in a sentence?
Here is “blossom” used in a sentence: “The orchard was covered in white apple blossom.”
What part of speech is “blossom”?
Depending on how it is used, “blossom” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “blossom” come from?
The word “blossom” comes from Latin. From Old English blostm, related to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to bloom or thrive," also the source of the Latin word for "flower.".
Is “blossom” a common word?
“Blossom” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “blossom” have?
“Blossom” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flower, especially one that grows on a fruit tree.
What is the difference between "blossom" and "bloom"?
"Blossom" refers specifically to the flowers of fruit trees, such as cherry or apple blossom, and to the verb of producing such flowers, while "bloom" is the broader term for any flower opening, on trees or other plants. In figurative use, both can describe something developing and flourishing, but "blossom" is more strongly associated with a gradual, positive unfolding.
How is "blossom" used figuratively?
Figuratively, "to blossom" means to develop and flourish over time, as in "her confidence blossomed" or "their friendship blossomed into love." This use extends the image of a flower opening to describe positive personal or relational growth.
Is "blossom" only used for trees?
The literal noun sense of "blossom" is specifically tied to flowers on fruit trees, but the verb "to blossom," meaning to bloom or flourish, can apply more broadly to any plant or, figuratively, to people, relationships, and situations.
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