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

While herb-flecked tomatoes and cucumbers are a classic combination, Rafidi often swaps in roasted squash, pumpkin or whatever else beckons at the market once fall’s chill sets in.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

What pumpkin pie spices tell us about tariffs.

Read more on MarketWatch

The turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie all tasted like dust that no amount of wine or cider could wash away.

Read more on Salon

Everyone was on board with Thanksgiving flavors, like pumpkin or sweet potato—but nobody actually liked pie.

Read more on Salon

Aldi’s box, at $40 for 10 people, also includes the makings for green bean casserole and a pumpkin pie with whipped topping.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fruit 
• squash