pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpä-mə-ˌgra-nət How to pronounce pomegranate (audio)
ˈpäm-ˌgra-nət,
ˈpəm- How to pronounce pomegranate (audio)
1
: a several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor
2
: a widely cultivated tropical Asian tree (Punica granatum of the family Punicaceae) bearing pomegranates

Illustration of pomegranate

Illustration of pomegranate

Examples of pomegranate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Fruiting trees and shrubs As the weather warms, restart watering deciduous fruit trees: pomegranate, apricot, peach, apple, etc. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 The farm also grows ice cream beans, persimmons, pomegranates, passion fruit, dragon fruit, cherimoyas and caviar limes in soil that has become more fertile from the biodiversity of crops. Julie Wolfson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2024 And for a butcher shop spot, the salads sing, too, like the pretty roasted carrot salad with baba ghanoush and a sprinkle of pistachio dukkah (an Egyptian spice blend) or the roasted beet salad that gets a citrusy kick from citrus, pomegranate and an ‘nduja vinaigrette. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2024 Poggio di Sotto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG has aromas of pomegranate and sage leaf with a whiff of fennel. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 Persephone's Heart Found at Kosmos, an intimate, modern Greek restaurant in Walpole, this cocktail is made with mezcal, pomegranate, honey, lime, and rosemary. Aly Walansky, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 Pick up pomegranates or apples to place at each setting with each guest’s name written directly on them to serve as place cards. Mary Carol Garrity, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The eatery introduced sophisticated tasting options like foie gras with pomegranate, citrus and matcha, and black grouper en papillote with vadouvan curry and tart apple tzatziki. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 5 Jan. 2024 With notes of grapefruit, pomegranate, plum, and the classic pumpkin, the candle carries the scent of fall's best fruits. Michelle Rostamian, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pomegranate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet, from Anglo-French pome garnette, literally, seedy fruit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pomegranate was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pomegranate

Cite this Entry

“Pomegranate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pomegranate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pomegranate

noun
: a reddish fruit about the size of an orange that has a thick leathery skin and many seeds in a pulp of tart flavor
also : a tropical Asian tree that produces pomegranates
Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet "pomegranate," from early French pomme garnette "pomegranate," literally, "seedy fruit"; pomme from earlier pome "apple" and grenate derived from Latin granum "grain, seed" — related to garnet, grain, grenade see Word History at garnet

Medical Definition

pomegranate

noun
1
: a tart thick-skinned several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange
2
: a widely cultivated tropical Old World tree (Punica granatum of the family Punicaceae) bearing pomegranates and having bark and roots which were formerly used in dried form as a taeniacide

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