pear

noun

ˈper 

1

: a pome fruit of a tree (genus Pyrus, especially P. communis) of the rose family that typically has a pale green or brownish skin, a firm juicy flesh, and an oblong shape in which a broad base end tapers upward to a narrow stem end

2

: a tree bearing pears

Examples of pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The restaurant’s concoction includes a whole poached pear, arugula, radish, pistachios and cranberries, dressed with pear vinaigrette. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026

There are notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg on the palate, wrapped around a base of vanilla, pear, red berries, cherry syrup, and grape jelly. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2026

Ripening and Storing When firm, Fuyus have a texture similar to a crisp apple or pear. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 11 Jan. 2026

Winter salads can also be dressed up with seasonal fruits like pears, pomegranates, and grapefruit. —Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pere, from Old English peru, from Vulgar Latin *pira, from Latin, plural of pirum

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pear

• alligator pear
• Anjou pear
• Asian pear
• avocado pear
• Bradford callery pear
• Bradford pear
• callery pear
• d'Anjou pear
• go pear-shaped
• pear psylla
• pear-shaped
• prickly pear
• prickly pear cactus
• prickly pear fruit
• vegetable pear

Rhymes for pear

• air
• ayre
• bahr
• bare
• blare
• care
• chair
• claire
• ere
• err
• eyre
• fair

Kids Definition

pear

noun

ˈpa(ə)r 

ˈpe(ə)r

: a fruit that is commonly larger at the end opposite the stem and typically has a pale green or brownish skin and juicy flesh

also : a tree that bears pears and is related to the apple