pumpkin

American  

[puhmp-kin, puhng-kin] / ˈpʌmp kɪn, ˈpʌŋ kɪn /

noun

1. a large, edible, orange-yellow fruit borne by a coarse, decumbent vine, Cucurbita pepo, of the gourd family.

2. the similar fruit of any of several related species, as C. maxima or C. moschata.

3. a plant bearing such fruit.

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pumpkin British  

/ ˈpʌmpkɪn /

noun

1. any of several creeping cucurbitaceous plants of the genus Cucurbita, esp C. pepo of North America and C. maxima of Europe

2. 1. the large round fruit of any of these plants, which has a thick orange rind, pulpy flesh, and numerous seeds

   2. ( as modifier )

      pumpkin pie

3. (often capital) a term of endearment

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Etymology

Origin of pumpkin

1640–50; alteration of pumpion ( -kin ), variant of pompon < Middle French, nasalized variant of popon melon, earlier pepon < Latin pepōn- (stem of pepō ) < Greek pépōn kind of melon

Example Sentences

While herb-flecked tomatoes and cucumbers are a classic combination, Rafidi often swaps in roasted squash, pumpkin or whatever else beckons at the market once fall’s chill sets in.

From The Wall Street Journal

What pumpkin pie spices tell us about tariffs.

From MarketWatch

The turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie all tasted like dust that no amount of wine or cider could wash away.

From Salon

Everyone was on board with Thanksgiving flavors, like pumpkin or sweet potato—but nobody actually liked pie.

From Salon

Aldi’s box, at $40 for 10 people, also includes the makings for green bean casserole and a pumpkin pie with whipped topping.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fruit
• squash