watermelon

[waw-ter-mel-uhn, wot-er-]

noun

1. the large, roundish or elongated fruit of a trailing vine, Citrullus lanata, of the gourd family, having a hard, green rind and a sweet, juicy, usually pink or red pulp.

2. the vine itself.

watermelon

/ ˈwɔːtəˌmɛlən /

noun

1. an African melon, Citrullus vulgaris, widely cultivated for its large edible fruit

2. the fruit of this plant, which has a hard green rind and sweet watery reddish flesh

Word History and Origins

Origin of watermelon¹

First recorded in 1605–15; water + melon

Example Sentences

I recall little more than a few stellar watermelons after our firecracker-popping neighbors finally ran out of explosives.

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

Colorful murals and graffiti adorn the walls near the mess of burst-open watermelons and putrid lemons.

From Los Angeles Times

Blanca Lucio likes to spend her mornings tending to her zucchinis, cucumbers, watermelons and traditional Mexican herbs at a small community garden near downtown Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps she’ll pack him chicken nuggets or pasta alongside strawberries, oranges or watermelon.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cantaloupe 
• gourd 
• papaya