durian

American  

[door-ee-uhn, -ahn] / ˈdʊər i ən, -ˌɑn /

Or durion

noun

1. the edible fruit of a tree, Durio zibethinus, of the bombax family, of southeastern Asia, having a hard, prickly rind, a highly flavored, pulpy flesh, and an unpleasant odor.

2. the tree itself.

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durian British  

/ ˈdjʊərɪən /

noun

1. a SE Asian bombacaceous tree, Durio zibethinus, having very large oval fruits with a hard spiny rind containing seeds surrounded by edible evil-smelling aril

2. the fruit of this tree, which has an offensive smell but a pleasant taste: supposedly an aphrodisiac

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Etymology

Origin of durian

1580–90; < Malay: a fruit with spiky skin, equivalent to duri thorn + -an nominalizer suffix

Explanation

If you're traveling in Southeast Asia and you come upon an odd oval fruit that looks like a green porcupine, you have found a durian. Don't be put off by its bad smell; the inside is delicious. Although the durian has only been known by the Western world since the 16th Century, its history goes back to prehistoric times. The name comes from the Malay root word duri, meaning "thorn" or "prickle," an allusion to its spiny outer covering. Its genus, Durio, has around 30 species, and the color of the edible inside varies from creamy to red. Foodies have compared its taste to a fine custard flavored with almonds, and even the seeds are edible.

Example Sentences

Thailand and Vietnam are the top durian suppliers to China, accounting for nearly all of its imports.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

With her are two durian exporters from southern China, one of whom says business has been booming.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

Even as it reaps the fruits of this durian diplomacy, it is eyeing what state media calls "durian freedom".

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

Hainan's first home-grown durians hit the market with much fanfare in 2023, but accounted for less than 1% of China's durian consumption that year.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

But Pong made himself come twice a week—for no other reason than to walk out the door on his own two feet, rather than riding out in a durian basket.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat