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

Tobacco smoke has small particles that are better addressed with higher CADR ratings, while dust is a pollutant with medium-sized particles, and pollen has large particles, according to the EPA. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

Not wind but a chaff of pollen choking in that whirl. —David Baker, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024

However, in some years, the pollen has stuck around until April. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Dec. 2024

Beyond diet, triggers can extend to things like airborne allergens (pet dander, fragrances, pollen), certain fabrics, or even day-to-day stress, temperature changes, exercise, or sleep deprivation—all of which can be tough to identify and avoid. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 3 Dec. 2024

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

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