pear-shaped

American  

[pair-sheypt] / ˈpɛərˌʃeɪpt /

adjective

1. having the shape of a pear; tapering near the top and bulging toward the base or bottom.

   a pear-shaped vase.

2. (of a vocal tone) clear, resonant, and without harshness; full-bodied.

---

Etymology

Origin of pear-shaped

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Westinghouse built the silver, pear-shaped device in 1937 and it became known as the “world’s first industrial atom smasher.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025

For instance, the green, pear-shaped squash called güisquil — also known as chayote — is native to Mesoamerica and commonly boiled and used in soups or stews.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2024

The 17.61 carat, pear-shaped Bleu Royal diamond, set in a ring, fetched $43.8 million, they said.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2023

They are small, pear-shaped insects that come in a variety of colors, from green, red and yellow to black, brown and gray.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2023

“These are ballistic level-three glass-clad polycarbonate windows, and the bathroom walls are reinforced steel with armor plating. If things go pear-shaped, that’s where you hide.”

From "City Spies" by James Ponti