pomander

noun

po·​man·​der ˈpō-ˌman-dər 

pō-ˈman-

1

: a mixture of aromatic substances enclosed in a perforated bag or box and used to scent clothes and linens or formerly carried as a guard against infection

also : a clove-studded orange or apple used for the same purposes

2

: a box or hollow fruit-shaped ball for holding pomander

Did you know?

In earlier times, there was more at stake in the use of an "apple of amber" (the literal meaning of Anglo-French pomme de ambre, modified to "pomander" in Middle English) than the addition of holiday spirit. Pomanders were used to offset foul odors and were also believed to protect against disease. Early pomanders were usually mixtures of fragrant spices, herbs, etc. in small metal containers, and they were often worn on chains, as jewelry, around the neck or at the waist. Today, we no longer believe pomanders ward off infections, but we still like nice-smelling things, and the word pomander survives to name the modern version of this aromatic, decorative object.

Examples of pomander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another option that is perhaps even more fitting for a kitchen counter is to fill your bowls with pomanders. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024

Arranged in a bowl on a side table or as the star of your centerpiece, pomanders are easy to make. —Jeanne Lyons Davis, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

Pull out the whole cloves and clementines to fashion some pomanders. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2023

To add some spice, turn you citrus fruits into pomanders, which are beautiful and smell like the holidays. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2023

This annual light display includes a gnome village, Santa and his workshop, a light tunnel, crystal disco, Wishing Tree, model trains and the opportunity to make an orange and clove pomander to take home. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2021

Wealthy women carried a pomander on a chain, then an expensive fashion accessory. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2021

Stud a fresh orange with cloves for pomander balls that fill the house with a spicy-sweet scent, then upcycle leftover glass jars into a colorful Kwanzaa kinara. —Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 19 Nov. 2020

Think of drinking red wine that has marinated a pomander orange. —Dave McIntyre, chicagotribune.com, 26 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, modification of Anglo-French pomme de ambre, literally, apple or ball of amber

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Medical Definition

pomander

noun

po·​man·​der ˈpō-ˌman-dər, pō-ˈ 

: a mixture of aromatic substances enclosed in a perforated bag or box and used to scent clothes and linens or formerly carried as a guard against infection

also : a clove-studded orange or apple used for the same purposes