cantaloupe

noun

can·​ta·​loupe ˈkan-tə-ˌlōp 

 also  -ˌlüp

variants or less commonly cantaloup

1

: a small widely cultivated muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) with a heavily netted rind and usually orange flesh

broadly : muskmelon sense a

2

: a muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) with a rough hard warty rind that is not usually grown in North America

Examples of cantaloupe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Detwiler is particularly careful to avoid cantaloupe because of its webbed rind, where bacteria can easily hide. —Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 25 Oct. 2024

Sunshine Kabocha When cooked, this winter squash has a tender, smooth stringless texture with a super sweet flavor that reminded our Test Kitchen of very ripe cantaloupe. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024

In 2011, unsanitary conditions at a facility that processed cantaloupes led to 147 Listeria infections in 28 states, killing 33. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 26 Sep. 2024

Peel the cantaloupe and slice in half, removing the seeds. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Cantalupo, former papal villa near Rome, Italy

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cantaloupe

noun

can·​ta·​loupe

variants also cantaloup

ˈkant-ᵊl-ˌōp 

: a muskmelon with a hard rough skin and reddish orange flesh