durian

noun

du·​ri·​an ˈdu̇r-ē-ən How to pronounce durian (audio)
-ē-ˌän,
 also  ˈdyu̇r-
1
: a large oval tasty but foul-smelling fruit with a prickly rind
2
: a southeast Asian tree (Durio zibethinus) of the mallow family that bears durians

Examples of durian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Everybody’s looking around and trying to locate the durian while also keeping another eye and ear open for any other falling durian. Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025 The gels were made out of agarose mixed with a bit of mineral water and specific flavor essences: sugar, salt, citric acid, cherry, milk, green tea, passion fruit, durian, and grapefruit. Ars Technica, 26 Nov. 2024 During Li’s visit, China agreed to allow imports of fresh Malaysian durian, a spiky pungent fruit increasingly popular with Chinese consumers. Amanda Gerut, Fortune Asia, 18 June 2024 One Whole Durian, in a Gift Box One whole durian, in a gift box ($134). Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for durian

Word History

Etymology

Malay

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of durian was in 1588

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Cite this Entry

“Durian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/durian. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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