muskmelon

American  

[muhsk-mel-uhn] / ˈmʌskˌmɛl ən /

noun

1. a round or oblong melon, occurring in many varieties, having a juicy, often aromatic, sweet, yellow, white, or green, edible flesh.

2. the plant, Cucumis melo reticulatus, of the gourd family, bearing this fruit.

3. cantaloupe.

---

muskmelon British  

/ ˈmʌskˌmɛlən /

noun

1. any of several varieties of the melon Cucumis melo, such as the cantaloupe and honeydew

2. the fruit of any of these melons, having ribbed or warty rind and sweet yellow, white, or green flesh with a musky aroma

---

Etymology

Origin of muskmelon

First recorded in 1565–75; musk + melon

Compare meaning

How does muskmelon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• muskmelon vs. cantaloupe

Example Sentences

The drink is made by combining fruit-flavored sodas, ranging from lemon-flavored to muskmelon, and a splash of milk.

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2022

My journey to the heart of the muskmelon cult started with a strawberry.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2017

It comes with one-third of a banana; three slices each of persimmon, orange, pineapple, kiwi, and mango; three partially peeled grapes; and one inch-and-a-half–wide rind of muskmelon.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2017

I save the muskmelon for last, giddy to try it after hearing about all the melons that had been sacrificed to bring me this bite.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2017

Back through the vegetable garden he went, and he paused for a moment to smash a green muskmelon with his heel, but he was not happy about it.

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck