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

But while our indoor furnishings may be subjected to daily wear and tear, our outdoor furniture is subjected to that general erosion, plus all the elements—from spring pollen to summer downpours. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025

Seasonal changes: If pollen triggers your allergies, attacks are more common in certain seasons. —Susan Russell, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2025

Spring Allergy Season Tree pollen is responsible for most spring seasonal allergies. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025

Pay attention to pollen forecasts in your local area. —Umair Irfan, Wired News, 5 Apr. 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