1
a
: the drupaceous fruit of a small tree (Prunus dulcis synonym P. amygdalus) of the rose family with flowers and young fruit resembling those of the peach
especially : its ellipsoidal edible kernel used as a nut
b
: any of several similar fruits
2
: a tree that produces almonds

Illustration of almond

Illustration of almond
  • almond 1a

Did you know?

This nut is seed of a tree in the rose family, native to Southwest Asia. The tree grows somewhat larger and lives longer than the peach. It is strikingly beautiful when in flower. The nuts are either sweet or bitter. Sweet almonds are the edible type consumed as nuts and used in cooking. The extracted oil of bitter almonds is used to make flavoring extracts for foods and liqueurs. Almonds provide small amounts of protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, and are high in fat.

Examples of almond in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Nuts work well too, especially in combinations such as almonds with Greek yogurt, peanut butter with apple slices, or nuts with a cheese stick. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 The ingredient list includes avocado, which is rich in fats and helps boost flexibility—thereby helping to prevent breakage—as well as sweet almond oil and shea butter for moisturizing and softening. Eden Stuart, Glamour, 7 July 2026 Filled with almonds and tons of coconut, the treats only contain 3 grams of sugar per piece. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026 This vivid reproduction of a Van Gogh masterpiece features delicate almond blossoms that will have a serene effect in the bathroom. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for almond

Word History

Etymology

Middle English almande, from Anglo-French alemande from Late Latin amandula, alteration of Latin amygdala, from Greek amygdalē

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of almond was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Almond.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/almond. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a small tree related to the roses and having flowers like those of a peach tree
also : the edible kernel of its fruit used as a nut

Medical Definition

1
: a small tree (Prunus amygdalus) of the rose family with flowers and young fruit resembling those of the peach
2
: the drupaceous fruit of the almond
especially : its ellipsoidal edible kernel used as a nut compare amygdalin

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