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

The biggest drawback, the outlet says, is that Benadryl crosses the blood-brain barrier — blocking the signal in the brain that causes an immune reaction to allergens like pollen or nuts. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 16 July 2025

According to the National Park Service, the main effect of poison oak on humans is an allergic reaction to urushiol, which is the oily substance found in all parts of the plant except its pollen. —Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025

This could be a speck of dust, clay or pollen in the atmosphere. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

On the other hand, these rugged wildernesses, situated in the U.S., Norway, Spain, and more, really are something else: Foliage sways in the wind; pollen motes drift through the air; dappled light shimmers beneath trees. —Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 9 July 2025

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