pear

[ pair ]

noun

1. the edible fruit, typically rounded but elongated and growing smaller toward the stem, of a tree, Pyrus communis, of the rose family.
2. the tree itself.

pear

/ pɛə /

noun

1. a widely cultivated rosaceous tree, Pyrus communis, having white flowers and edible fruits
2. the sweet gritty-textured juicy fruit of this tree, which has a globular base and tapers towards the apex
3. the wood of this tree, used for making furniture
4. go pear-shaped informal.
   to go wrong

   the plan started to go pear-shaped

Other Words From

• pearlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pear¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English pe(e)re, Old English peru, from Late Latin pira, feminine singular use of plural of Latin pirum (neuter) “pear”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pear¹

Old English pere, ultimately from Latin pirum

Example Sentences

Whereas many jarred foods contain a single ingredient like pureed peas or carrots, pouches are more often a blend that features a sweet fruit such as apple or pear as the primary ingredient.

From Los Angeles Times

We passed by apple, nectarine and pear trees, then blackberry brambles as large as a football field.

From Los Angeles Times

The plant Mexicans most identify with is the prickly pear cactus.

From Los Angeles Times

He also grew pears, figs, quinces, lemons and apples — and oranges.

From Los Angeles Times

Like peaches or pears, pawpaws produce ethylene, a hormone that causes the fruit to soften and brown.

From Salon