monkey flower: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist/Botanical
Quick answer
What does “monkey flower” mean?
A flowering plant of the genus Mimulus, with colourful, often spotted flowers resembling a monkey's face.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flowering plant of the genus Mimulus, with colourful, often spotted flowers resembling a monkey's face.
Any of various North American plants in the genus Mimulus, known for their snapdragon-like flowers and preference for moist habitats like stream banks. The name comes from the fancied resemblance of the flower to a monkey's face.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is more common in American English due to the plant's prevalence in North America. British usage is almost exclusively in botanical/gardening contexts.
Connotations
In the US, it can have regional/wildflower connotations in western states. In the UK, it is purely a horticultural/botanical term.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Higher frequency in specific American regional or botanical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “monkey flower” in a Sentence
[plant/grow/harvest] a monkey flowerThe [common/yellow] monkey flower [blooms/grows]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in botanical, ecological, or horticultural papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Rare, except among gardeners or in areas where it is a common native wildflower.
Technical
Standard term in botany and horticulture for plants in the genus Mimulus.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkey flower”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkey flower”
- Spelling as one word: 'monkeyflower' (though this is an accepted variant).
- Confusing it with 'monkey puzzle' tree.
- Assuming it is a common term for any tropical flower.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two separate words, though the hyphenated form 'monkey-flower' and the single word 'monkeyflower' are also accepted variants, especially in botanical contexts.
Yes, but typically only as cultivated garden plants. Some species have naturalised in damp areas, but they are not native to the UK.
No, not at all. 'Monkey flower' refers to herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Mimulus. 'Monkey puzzle' is a common name for an entirely different, large coniferous tree (Araucaria araucana).
The genus is Mimulus. There are many species, such as Mimulus guttatus (common monkey flower) and Mimulus aurantiacus (sticky monkey flower).
A flowering plant of the genus Mimulus, with colourful, often spotted flowers resembling a monkey's face.
Monkey flower is usually specialist/botanical in register.
Monkey flower: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˌflaʊə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋki ˌflaʊər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The flower has a funny face, like a little monkey in that place.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESEMBLANCE (flower is like a monkey's face).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for the name 'monkey flower'?