# blossom

/ˈbɫɑsəm/ (US) · /blˈɒsəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blossom
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. tree flowers

noun · CEFR B1

a flower on a tree or bush, especially one that will later turn into fruit.

For teachers: a flower, especially one on a fruit tree; often used collectively to describe a mass of such flowers.

- The apple trees are covered in pink blossom this spring.
- The cherry blossom drifted across the park like snow, coating the pathways in a delicate layer of white petals.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to a mass of flowers on a single tree.

### 2. to produce flowers

verb · CEFR B2

when a tree or plant produces flowers.

For teachers: to produce or open into flowers; to bloom.

- The cherry trees usually blossom in late March or early April.
- The orchards began to blossom simultaneously, filling the valley with a heavy, sweet fragrance that attracted bees from miles away.

Usage: This verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

### 3. to develop or flourish

verb · CEFR B2

to grow, improve, or become more successful and confident.

For teachers: to develop or flourish into a state of beauty, health, or prosperity.

- She really blossomed into a confident speaker during her time at university.
- Their friendship blossomed into a successful business partnership that lasted for over thirty years.

Usage: Frequently used with the preposition 'into' to describe a transformation.

## Examples

- The cherry trees are covered in pink blossom.
- Every spring, the orchard is filled with the sweet scent of apple blossom before the fruit begins to form.
- The delicate white blossom of the pear trees carpeted the garden path after the heavy rain, signaling the transition from early spring to the warmer months of growth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.