moonflower

[ moon-flou-er ]

noun

1. a plant, Ipomoea alba, of the morning glory family, having fragrant white flowers that bloom at night.

moonflower

/ ˈmuːnˌflaʊə /

noun

1. any of several night-blooming convolvulaceous plants, esp the white-flowered Calonyction (or Ipomoea ) aculeatum
2. Also calledangels' tears a Mexican solanaceous plant, Datura suaveolens, planted in the tropics for its white night-blooming flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of moonflower¹

First recorded in 1780–90; moon + flower

Example Sentences

She craned her neck to see all the topiary mazes of moonflower hedges and starfruit trees.

From Literature

She wore her flowing blue housecoat with the moonflower pattern, and she had her makeup on already.

From Literature

I was thinking of quite a few that I frequently revisit myself; most notably Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone series, Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley series, and Anthony Horowitz’s “Magpie Murders” and “Moonflower Murders,” all of which offer the kind of rich characterizations and overall cleverness that frequently suit my mood on a rainy afternoon.

From Seattle Times

I've read the second Susan Ryeland novel, "Moonflower Murders," which Lesley Manville narrated for the audiobook version.

From Salon

“Moonflower” recognizes readers’ pain and ultimately leads them, with a gentle and steady hand, toward hope and the power of loving themselves — because they exist, because they are worthy.

From New York Times