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

The first dish— already chilling in the fridge—is a bowlful of watermelon, feta cheese, and citrusy dressing.

From Literature

“How about a watermelon to tide us over?”

From Literature

He looked around the market in wonder: there were dozens of fruit stalls, with barrows piled with giant plums the size of watermelons and tiny oranges the size of his thumbnail.

From Literature

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

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• papaya