pumpkin

[ puhmp-kin, puhng-kin ]

noun

1. a large, edible, orange-yellow fruit borne by a coarse, decumbent vine, Cucurbita pepo, of the gourd family.
2. the similar fruit of any of several related species, as C. maxima or C. moschata.
3. a plant bearing such fruit.

pumpkin

/ ˈpʌmpkɪn /

noun

1. any of several creeping cucurbitaceous plants of the genus Cucurbita, esp C. pepo of North America and C. maxima of Europe
2. 1. the large round fruit of any of these plants, which has a thick orange rind, pulpy flesh, and numerous seeds
   2. ( as modifier )

      pumpkin pie

3. often capital a term of endearment

Word History and Origins

Origin of pumpkin¹

1640–50; alteration of pumpion ( -kin ), variant of pompon < Middle French, nasalized variant of popon melon, earlier pepon < Latin pepōn- (stem of pepō ) < Greek pépōn kind of melon

Word History and Origins

Origin of pumpkin¹

C17: from earlier pumpion, from Old French pompon, from Latin pepo, from Greek pepōn, from pepōn ripe, from peptein to ripen

Example Sentences

After a long, hot summer, Salon Senior Writer Mary Elizabeth Williams was very ready to make use of the omnipresent orange cans of pumpkin that began popping up in her supermarket come fall.

From Salon

It’s made with pumpkin seeds, coconut oil and lima beans, among other ingredients, but it tastes mind-bogglingly like the real thing.

From Los Angeles Times

“The proximity to Halloween as well as the shape and initial color of the tank’s primer drew inevitable comparisons to a pumpkin by Union Oil staff,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, if a user asks Google Maps for things to do this weekend and it’s October, some of the suggestions might include seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking and going to a haunted house.

From Los Angeles Times

Seventy-two percent of survey respondents said they plan to celebrate Halloween this year by partaking in modern holiday traditions, including handing out candy, decorating their home, dressing in costume and carving pumpkins.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fruit
• squash