melon

[mel-uhn]

noun

1. the fruit of any of various plants of the gourd family, as the muskmelon or watermelon.

2. medium crimson or deep pink.

3. the visible upper portion of the head of a surfacing whale or dolphin, including the beak, eyes, and blowhole.

4. Informal.

   1. a large extra dividend, often in the form of stock, to be distributed to stockholders.

      Profits zoomed so in the last quarter that the corporation cut a nice melon.

   2. any windfall of money to be divided among specified participants.

melon

/ ˈmɛlən /

noun

1. any of several varieties of two cucurbitaceous vines, cultivated for their edible fruit See muskmelon watermelon

2. the fruit of any of these plants, which has a hard rind and juicy flesh

3. slang,  to declare an abnormally high dividend to shareholders

Word History and Origins

Origin of melon¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin mēlōn- (stem of mēlō ), short for mēlopepō < Greek mēlopépōn apple-shaped melon, equivalent to mêlo ( n ) apple + pépōn pepo

Word History and Origins

Origin of melon¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin mēlo, shortened form of mēlopepō, from Greek mēlopepōn, from mēlon apple + pepōn gourd

Example Sentences

The rest of the menu is just as impressive, featuring Argentine empanadas with a variety of fillings, provoleta — a gooey roasted cheese — pastas, prosciutto served with melon, and multiple potato sides.

From Salon

Born in Alicante, one of 10 children, he worked summers picking melons and watermelons to be able to afford a bicycle.

From BBC

In the morning, the sidewalk and pavement along Naomi Avenue are littered with crates of discarded melons, tomatoes and other overripe fruit, creating an ugly sight and putrid odor.

From Los Angeles Times

Dona Bracke, who prosecuted the case, recalled that one of the bruises on his side was the size of a melon.

From Los Angeles Times

In Cardiff, Wanda O'Connor has grown melons outside for the first time since she started growing food six years ago.

From BBC

Related Words

• cantaloupe 
• gourd 
• papaya 
• watermelon