pear

noun

ˈper 

1

: a pome fruit of a tree (genus Pyrus, especially P. communis) of the rose family that typically has a pale green or brownish skin, a firm juicy flesh, and an oblong shape in which a broad base end tapers upward to a narrow stem end

2

: a tree bearing pears

Examples of pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Place sliced pears around croissant pieces to fill any gaps. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024

This decadent expression shows notes of ripe pear and apple, pie crust, brioche and creamy ginger-spiced citrus. —Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Toss fruit with dressing: Add pear, kiwis, grapes, and pomegranate arils to bowl with orange segments. —Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024

Her best-selling candle, Flor de Luna ($26) features delicate notes of amber, agave, pear, musk and rose. —Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pere, from Old English peru, from Vulgar Latin *pira, from Latin, plural of pirum

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pear

• alligator pear
• Anjou pear
• Asian pear
• avocado pear
• Bradford callery pear
• Bradford pear
• callery pear
• d'Anjou pear
• go pear-shaped
• pear psylla
• pear-shaped
• prickly pear
• prickly pear cactus
• prickly pear fruit
• vegetable pear

Kids Definition

pear

noun

ˈpa(ə)r 

ˈpe(ə)r

: a fruit that is commonly larger at the end opposite the stem and typically has a pale green or brownish skin and juicy flesh

also : a tree that bears pears and is related to the apple