: a tropical American morning glory (Ipomoea alba synonym Calonyction aculeatum) with fragrant flowers
also : any of several related plants

Examples of moonflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vining vegetables and flowers, like beans, peas, moonflowers, and morning glories. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025 Love concoction made with moonflower and menstrual blood. Sandra Cisneros, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of moonflower was circa 1909

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moonflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moonflower. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on moonflower

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!