watermelon
Americannoun
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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.
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the vine itself.
noun
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an African melon, Citrullus vulgaris, widely cultivated for its large edible fruit
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the fruit of this plant, which has a hard green rind and sweet watery reddish flesh
Etymology
Origin of watermelon
Explanation
A watermelon is a plant that grows vines and flowers that ripen into large, juicy fruit also called watermelon. Cold watermelon is delicious at a backyard barbecue. Like squashes and gourds, watermelons grow from long, climbing vines. The deep pink or red flesh of a watermelon, however, is uniquely sweet, juicy, and refreshing. Watermelons are originally native to Africa, and they were brought to North America and cultivated around the 16th century. For many people, it's just not summer without watermelon — the fruit is over 90 percent water, so it's not just delicious, but it also quenches your thirst.
Vocabulary lists containing watermelon
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.
From passionfruit, to coconut and watermelon, the 35-year-old counts herself "very lucky" to have acquired some hard-to-find bottles and merch.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
Beyond the research buzz, watermelon remains a nutrient-dense fruit that is easy to enjoy year-round.
From Science Daily • May 17, 2026
Researchers focused on two naturally occurring watermelon compounds, L-citrulline and L-arginine, which are involved in nitric oxide production.
From Science Daily • May 17, 2026
An older Black woman saunters down Western, low and slow, holding a watermelon and mango cup in one hand and her cane in the other.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
The washing rocks at the river were empty, and the watermelon patches, if any, were left alone to heat their hidden liquors in the sun.
From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury
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.
