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

Looking back, she laughs as she recalls explaining to her elementary school teacher that “watermelons were not just red, but yellow too.”

From Los Angeles Times

He also had a gag about hanging out with a Black friend and instead of carving pumpkins, they carved a watermelon.

From Salon

Mr Hinchcliffe also suggested Latinos "loved making babies", and made a comment about black people and watermelons - drawing on a racist trope.

From BBC

The watermelon symbol is synonymous with the pro-Palestinian movement as the colours of the fruit are the same as those on the Palestinian flag.

From BBC

They eat a vegan diet and treats are not of the fast-food variety but rather watermelons on the Fourth of July and apples covered in sugar-free caramel and nuts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• papaya