pear

noun

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 Peaches, pears, apricots, quinces, strawberries, and apples are members of the rose family. Deb Wiley, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2024 The basket contains two Royal Riviera pears, Moose Crunch milk chocolate popcorn and caramel popcorn, mini malt ball eggs, a milk chocolate bunny, milk chocolate malt balls, and chocolate truffles with various flavors such as raspberry, dark cherry, white coffee, and more. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 This area was known then as the 'Valley of Heart's Delight' for its hundreds of cherry, apricot, pear, and peach orchards. Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Signature pizzas will include: The Bianco, made with white sauce, taleggio, pear, hot honey, arugula and EVOO. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2024 Arrange some pear wedges on each piece of toast, then pour the cheese sauce over them, dividing it evenly among the gratin dishes. Bonnie S. Benwick, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 The concoction includes spinach, apple, pear, broccoli, cucumber, celery, lemon, ginger and lime. Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 21 Jan. 2024 Start with fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits (especially pears, grapes, prunes, and apples), potatoes, and whole grains like brown rice, oats, or wheat bread. Julia Ries, SELF, 11 Jan. 2024 Finish pruning and spraying deciduous fruit trees like peaches, pluots, apples, pears, persimmon, etc. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pear was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near pear

Cite this Entry

“Pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pear. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pear

noun
ˈpa(ə)r How to pronounce pear (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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