pumpkin

[puhmp-kin, puhng-kin]

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.

pumpkin

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pumpkin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pumpkin¹

C17: from earlier pumpion, from Old French pompon, from Latin pepo, from Greek pepōn, from pepōn ripe, from peptein to ripen

Example Sentences

Over the next month on The Bite, Salon’s food newsletter, I’ll share four recipes that celebrate autumn produce — apples, pumpkin, pears and figs — each designed for weeknights, with store-bought shortcuts where they make sense.

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We’ll also learn if a pumpkin can turn back into a carriage.

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The waffles’ autumnal rendition incorporates pumpkin purée and seasonal spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg to create a warming sweet treat that embodies fall joy.

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This fall, that looks like leaning into squash, pumpkins and root vegetables; keeping an eye on budget; and building in a few routine-friendly meals that support my current health goals.

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Our final glimpse shows Carrie returning to her castle and dancing to Barry White while diving into a pumpkin pie she’s kept all to herself.

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Related Words

• fruit 
• squash