durian

noun

du·​ri·​an ˈdu̇r-ē-ən How to pronounce durian (audio)
-ē-ˌän,
 also  ˈdyu̇r-
1
: a large oval tasty but foul-smelling fruit with a prickly rind
2
: a southeast Asian tree (Durio zibethinus) of the mallow family that bears durians

Examples of durian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
During Li’s visit, China agreed to allow imports of fresh Malaysian durian, a spiky pungent fruit increasingly popular with Chinese consumers. Amanda Gerut, Fortune Asia, 18 June 2024 One Whole Durian, in a Gift Box One whole durian, in a gift box ($134). Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2023 Farmers are felling coffee trees traditionally grown in this cool hilly region to plant spiky durians, pungent fruits that have become wildly popular in China. Jon Emont, WSJ, 11 Nov. 2023 Supermarkets stack suitcases for sale next to carts of durians. Audrey Phoon, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for durian 

Word History

Etymology

Malay

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of durian was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near durian

Cite this Entry

“Durian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/durian. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on durian

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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