pear

American  

[pair] / pɛər /

noun

1. the edible fruit, typically rounded but elongated and growing smaller toward the stem, of a tree, Pyrus communis, of the rose family.

2. the tree itself.

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pear British  

/ pɛə /

noun

1. a widely cultivated rosaceous tree, Pyrus communis, having white flowers and edible fruits

2. the sweet gritty-textured juicy fruit of this tree, which has a globular base and tapers towards the apex

3. the wood of this tree, used for making furniture

4. informal to go wrong

   the plan started to go pear-shaped

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Other Word Forms

• pearlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of pear

First recorded before 1000; Middle English pe(e)re, Old English peru, from Late Latin pira, feminine singular use of plural of Latin pirum (neuter) “pear”

Example Sentences

News of a two-week ceasefire aimed at resolving the conflict comes too late for this growing season, says Ali, who represents British apple and pear growers.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Coffee pecan torte, spiced pear sponge with miso caramel.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Then there’s the less technical, but equally relevant sensory experience each perfume evokes: a pear orchard in the fall or a bucket of blackberries on a hot summer day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

Pears cook similarly to apples, so to switch it up, I also enjoy making a pear tarte tatin.

From Salon • Nov. 17, 2025

Bright red apples fringed the edges of the pear pads.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson