pear-shaped
Americanadjective
-
having the shape of a pear; tapering near the top and bulging toward the base or bottom.
a pear-shaped vase.
-
(of a vocal tone) clear, resonant, and without harshness; full-bodied.
Etymology
Origin of pear-shaped
First recorded in 1750–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Westinghouse built the silver, pear-shaped device in 1937 and it became known as the “world’s first industrial atom smasher.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025
If anything goes wrong or pear-shaped I'll come and get you'.
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2025
Brandy Escamilla had saved money to purchase a custom-made engagement ring: a pear-shaped diamond from a jeweler in downtown Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2023
They are small, pear-shaped insects that come in a variety of colors, from green, red and yellow to black, brown and gray.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2023
Someone with an eager, pear-shaped head and a green bun sat writing at a table.
From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
