ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rose

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈɹoʊz// rose
  1. 1 the flower (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a beautiful flower that grows on a bush and often has a sweet smell and sharp thorns.

    a flower of the genus Rosa, typically characterized by multiple layers of petals and prickly stems.

    Example

    He gave her a single red rose for their anniversary.

    Example

    The gardener spent the afternoon pruning the climbing roses to encourage more blooms along the trellis next season.

  2. 2 past tense of rise (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    the past tense of 'rise', meaning to move up or increase.

    the simple past tense of the intransitive verb 'rise', indicating upward movement or an increase in value or status.

    Example

    The sun rose early this morning, filling the room with light.

    Example

    As the conductor entered the hall, the entire audience rose in a silent tribute to his long career.

    Pitfall
    The sun rose up at six.
    The sun rose at six.

    While 'rose up' is sometimes used for rebellion, for physical movement like the sun, 'rose' alone is more natural.

Show 4 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 the colour (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a pink or light red colour.

    a variable colour ranging from a light pink to a purplish-red, resembling the petals of a rose.

    Example

    The sky turned a beautiful shade of rose as the sun went down.

    Example

    The interior designer suggested a dusty rose for the bedroom walls to create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere.

  2. 4 watering tool part (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    the cap with small holes on the end of a watering can.

    a perforated nozzle attached to the spout of a watering can or hose to spray water in a fine mist.

    Example

    Make sure the rose is attached tightly so the water sprays evenly.

    Example

    Using a fine rose on the watering can prevents the delicate seedlings from being washed away by a heavy stream of water.

  3. 5 mathematical curve (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    a shape in math that looks like a flower with petals.

    a sinusoid plotted in polar coordinates, resulting in a curve that resembles a flower with multiple petals.

    Example

    The teacher showed us how to draw a rose curve using a formula.

    Example

    The number of petals on a mathematical rose depends on whether the coefficient in the polar equation is even or odd.

    • rhodonea curve
  4. 6 pinkish-red (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    having a pink or light red colour.

    possessing a purplish-red or pink hue; often used in literary contexts to describe a healthy complexion.

    Example

    The morning light gave the mountains a soft rose glow.

    Example

    She wore a rose silk gown that complemented the flush of her cheeks in the candlelight.

Idioms5 entries

© 2026 English Reference