watermelon

American  

[waw-ter-mel-uhn, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌmɛl ən, ˈwɒt ər- /

noun

1. the large, roundish or elongated fruit of a trailing vine, Citrullus lanata, of the gourd family, having a hard, green rind and a sweet, juicy, usually pink or red pulp.

2. the vine itself.

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watermelon British  

/ ˈwɔːtəˌmɛlən /

noun

1. an African melon, Citrullus vulgaris, widely cultivated for its large edible fruit

2. the fruit of this plant, which has a hard green rind and sweet watery reddish flesh

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Etymology

Origin of watermelon

First recorded in 1605–15; water + melon

Explanation

A watermelon is a plant that grows vines and flowers that ripen into large, juicy fruit also called watermelon. Cold watermelon is delicious at a backyard barbecue. Like squashes and gourds, watermelons grow from long, climbing vines. The deep pink or red flesh of a watermelon, however, is uniquely sweet, juicy, and refreshing. Watermelons are originally native to Africa, and they were brought to North America and cultivated around the 16th century. For many people, it's just not summer without watermelon — the fruit is over 90 percent water, so it's not just delicious, but it also quenches your thirst.

Example Sentences

From passionfruit, to coconut and watermelon, the 35-year-old counts herself "very lucky" to have acquired some hard-to-find bottles and merch.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Red watermelon varieties tend to contain especially high levels of lycopene.

From Science Daily • May 17, 2026

According to the findings, watermelon consumers took in more dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, lycopene, and other carotenoids.

From Science Daily • May 17, 2026

They’ve got a really great spicy tuna roll that’s made out of watermelon.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

I drop the napkin and the watermelon slice.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• papaya