name
Mayflower
name
1
The ship that carried the English Pilgrims across the Atlantic to found Plymouth Colony in 1620.
"The Mayflower landed on the coast of what would become Massachusetts."
"Descendants of Mayflower passengers still trace their lineage today."
noun
1
Any of several early-blooming plants, such as hawthorn in Britain or trailing arbutus in North America.
"Mayflowers were among the first blooms to appear after the long winter."
"She picked a small bunch of wild mayflowers along the path."
How to Use Mayflower
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the famous Pilgrim ship, or a springtime flowering plant, depending on context.
Common mistake
Capitalise it when referring to the historical ship; lowercase when talking about the plant.
Word Forms
mayflowers plural
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The _____ landed on the coast of what would become Massachusetts.
Etymology
From "May" (the month) + "flower" — either the ship named for the season, or the plants that bloom in it.