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

Sauvignon Blanc: Produces zesty, refreshing wines with citrus and tropical fruit notes. Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris: Often crafted in a light, refreshing style with flavors of pear and apple. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

There are other fruity options, too, such as a pear plum crumb pie with local farmed fruit. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2025

Nada Paloma: Cut Above Zero Proof Agave Blanco, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave nectar and Topo Chico. Queen City Fruit Punch: orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, desert pear syrup, grenadine, Topo Chico. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2025

Related: How to Combat Invasive Chinese Privet Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana) Also known as callery pear, this tree was once the darling of landscapers and developers everywhere and was planted in large numbers throughout the country as a charming ornamental tree. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025

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