pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpä-lən 

1

: a mass of microspores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust

2

: a dusty bloom on the body of an insect

Examples of pollen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wash these items in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15 minutes to significantly reduce dust mite allergens and remove pet dander, mold, and pollen before storage. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 16 May 2026

Long before humans understood viruses or allergies, organisms still needed a way to protect their delicate respiratory tissues from dust, pathogens, parasites, smoke, pollen and whatever else the environment happened to throw at them. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Even small exposures—such as licking pollen off fur or drinking water from a vase containing lilies—can be toxic. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026

The time of day is also important; tree and grass pollens usually accumulate in the evening, while ragweed pollen counts are highest in the morning. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pollin-, pollen, from Latin, fine flour

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pollen

• pollen basket
• pollen count
• pollen grain
• pollen mother cell
• pollen sac
• pollen tube

Rhymes for pollen

• cauline
• fallen
• paulin
• befallen
• crestfallen
• tarpaulin

Kids Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of tiny particles in the anthers of a flower that fertilize the seeds and usually appear as fine yellow dust

Medical Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of male spores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust