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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of watermelon

First recorded in 1605–15; water + melon

Example Sentences

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

Descendants of the last Havasupai man to leave, Captain Burro, recall how he carried watermelon in a basket to sell to tourists and how his heart broke when he was ordered to leave.

From Seattle Times

And you look down, and there’s a watermelon that’s underneath the basket.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• papaya