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.

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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

"I was doing really well until 22 miles when I blew it. I lost my balance and it all went a bit pear-shaped," he says.

From BBC • May 4, 2025

In February 2022, she was seen wearing a a pear-shaped diamond ring during an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” prompting its host to ask if she had remarried.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 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