bloom

Everyday

1. A flower, especially on a plant grown for its flowers. tree →
2. (verb) To produce flowers; to open into flowers. tree →
3. (verb) To grow healthy, happy or confident. tree →
4. (in science) An algal bloom: a sudden big growth of algae in water, sometimes harmful. tree →
5. (UK, informal, old-fashioned) Blooming is a mild swear word meaning very or annoying: blooming cheek! tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, plants bloom in spring and summer and insects visit the blooms. In stories, a shy character blooms into a confident one. In safety, algal blooms can make lakes unsafe for swimming. Phrases: in full bloom, late bloomer, a blooming nuisance.

Examples

• The cherry trees are in full bloom. tree →
• Roses bloom in summer. tree →
• The cactus bloomed after the rain. tree →
• Our new classmate bloomed once she made friends. tree →
• Don't swim in the lake: there's a green algal bloom. tree →
• My brother is a late bloomer, but now he's great at football. tree →
• It's blooming freezing out here! tree →
• The withered tree at once burst into full bloom! tree →

Note

Regular verb: bloomed. Similar: blossom (often used for fruit trees). Blooming as a swear word is very mild and a bit old-fashioned in the UK.

In Jewish tradition

Here "in bloom" means the flax had flowers, so it was damaged by the hail. In the primary lessons: In science lessons, plants bloom in spring and summer and insects visit the blooms. In stories, a shy character blooms into a confident one. In safety, algal blooms can make lakes unsafe for swimming. Phrases: in full bloom, late bloomer, a blooming nuisance.

Examples

• And the flax and the barley were smitten; for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom. (Torah EXO.9.31, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: bloomed. Similar: blossom (often used for fruit trees). Blooming as a swear word is very mild and a bit old-fashioned in the UK.