melon

noun

mel·​on ˈme-lən How to pronounce melon (audio)
plural melons
often attributive
1
: any of various typically sweet gourds (such as a muskmelon or watermelon) usually eaten raw as fruits
2
: something rounded like a melon: such as
a
: a rounded organ in the front of the head of some cetaceans and all toothed whales that is composed of lipids and waxy material and is thought to be utilized in echolocation
b
: a person's head
A great afternoon at the park usually meant coming home with blisters on our hands, a bump or two on the melon and the obligatory skinned knee.Robb Moretti
3
a
: a surplus of profits available for distribution to stockholders
b
: a financial windfall

Examples of melon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That bougie melon — which was legit exquisite — sure does. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025 Corn husks can be dried and steamed, cucumber and melon rinds can be pickled or candied, peppery nasturtium leaves can be eaten in salads, and even young sunflower stalks can be eaten like celery if properly prepared. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025 The wine features notes of melon, citrus, and a hint of minerality with a clean, refreshing finish. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 The Green Goodness features gin, wheatgrass, cucumber and melon juice, while the Pisco Morada is made with purple corn, pineapple, lime and spices. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for melon

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin melon-, melo, short for Latin melopepon-, melopepo, from Greek mēlopepōn, from mēlon apple + pepōn, an edible gourd — more at pumpkin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of melon was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Melon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melon. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

melon

noun
mel·​on ˈmel-ən How to pronounce melon (audio)
: any of various fruits (as a cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or watermelon) of the gourd family that have juicy and usually sweet flesh eaten raw and a firm rind

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