pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpä-mə-ˌgra-nət 

ˈpäm-ˌgra-nət,

ˈpəm- 

1

: a several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor

2

: a widely cultivated tropical Asian tree (Punica granatum of the family Lythraceae) bearing pomegranates

Illustration of pomegranate

Examples of pomegranate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a series of photos, Ray showed off her family's meal, which included turkey with some sprigs of fresh herbs (along with a fake turkey as a centerpiece decoration), roasted potatoes, a salad with plenty of greens and pomegranates, soup, gravy and more. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024

The flavors are generous with red berries and pomegranate, slightly briny, with a taut texture and lean finish. —Patrick Comiskey, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

Before the holiday, households will hang pomegranates, thought to be a sign of luck, prosperity, and fertility, from their door. —Chris Ciolli, AFAR Media, 23 Dec. 2024

During the celebration of Yalda, people eat pomegranates to symbolize protection from evil spirits and watermelon to shield them from both the winter cold and summer heat. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet, from Anglo-French pome garnette, literally, seedy fruit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət  ˈpəm-ˌgran- 

: a reddish fruit about the size of an orange that has a thick leathery skin and many seeds in a pulp of tart flavor

also : a tropical Asian tree that produces pomegranates

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet "pomegranate," from early French pomme garnette "pomegranate," literally, "seedy fruit"; pomme from earlier pome "apple" and grenate derived from Latin granum "grain, seed" — related to garnet, grain, grenade see Word History at garnet

Medical Definition

pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət  ˈpəm-ˌgran- 

1

: a tart thick-skinned several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange

2

: a widely cultivated tropical Old World tree (Punica granatum of the family Punicaceae) bearing pomegranates and having bark and roots which were formerly used in dried form as a taeniacide