noun
-
a cultivated variety of muskmelon, Cucumis melo cantalupensis, with ribbed warty rind and orange flesh
-
any of several other muskmelons
Usage
What is a cantaloupe? A cantaloupe is an edible member of the gourd family known for its orange, sweet flesh and hard, scaly outer rind. Its scientific name is Cucumis melo cantalupensis and is sold mainly in Europe. A cantaloupe is also a type of muskmelon, with pale orange flesh and a rough, reticulated rind. That is, the rind has veins that look like the threads of a net. Its scientific name is Cucumis melo reticulatus and is sold mainly in the United States. Cucumis melo reticulatus is considered less sweet and more juice filled than Cucumis melo cantalupensis. Example: I made a melon salad with watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew for the pool party.
Etymology
Origin of cantaloupe
First recorded in 1730–40; from French, allegedly after Cantaluppi, a papal estate near Rome where cultivation of this melon is said to have begun in Europe, though a comparable Italian word is not attested until much later than the French word, and Cantaloup, a village in Languedoc, has also been proposed as the source
Compare meaning
How does cantaloupe compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A cantaloupe is a small melon with rough skin and orange flesh. If you are making fruit salad, don't forget the cantaloupe. The jury has long been out on this word's origins, but it's thought to be a place where the melon was cultivated: Cantaluppi in Italy, or Cantaloup in France. Either way, the cantaloupe is a delicious melon with tan rind and orange flesh. Many people enjoy some cantaloupe with breakfast or anytime as a snack. You can eat cantaloupe slices or you can stick a spoon in half a cantaloupe and go to town.
Vocabulary lists containing cantaloupe
Orange
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Commonly Misspelled Words, List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for August 28–September 3, 2021
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cantaloupe and honeydew are both delicious, I am not casting shade on either, but there is nothing finer — or more hydrating, or more delicious — than watermelon.
From Salon • Aug. 15, 2024
“Amoramaro” is one of five items on Moore’s new album, titled “Frederic Rzewski: No Place to Go but Around,” released on the Cantaloupe label in June.
From New York Times • Aug. 3, 2022
As morning turned to afternoon, jazz legend Herbie Hancock delivered a masterclass in cool, with a virtuoso set packed with classics like Cantaloupe Island and Take Five.
From BBC • Jun. 26, 2022
Not to mention a lot of Ives, some Varèse and Elliott Carter, and, for the Cantaloupe label, a John Luther Adams soundscape.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 14, 2016
The Early Cantaloupe is the best sort for an early crop.
From The art of promoting the growth of the cucumber and melon in a series of directions for the best means to be adopted in bringing them to a complete state of perfection by Watkins, Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
