watermelon

American  

[waw-ter-mel-uhn, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌmɛl ən, ˈwɒt ər- /

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.

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watermelon British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of watermelon

First recorded in 1605–15; water + melon

Example Sentences

It’s a far cry from the dusty streets where Francisco Robles sold his watermelons from a truck more than a century ago.

From Los Angeles Times

Comparing agricultural and urban water costs, as the researchers did, she said, “is like comparing a grape to a watermelon,” given major differences in how water is distributed and treated.

From Los Angeles Times

It was not yet 7 a.m. on my first day in a field of mini watermelons, the green fruit stretched out as far as the eye could see.

From Los Angeles Times

In fact, it later puffs up sideways and transforms into what looks like a huge cosmic watermelon, enclosing everything close by.

From Space Scoop

“I’ll be there this time,” said Logan, who was eating healthy watermelons before the game but wearing his usual short pants during the game on a night to remember.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• papaya