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

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

Images from body-camera video show an officer sorting through small plastic bags and a watermelon underneath a seat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• papaya