almond

noun

al·​mond ˈä-mənd  ˈa-  ˈäl- 

ˈal-

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

• 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

Doug Freitas, an almond grower who owns property in areas governed by three different groundwater agencies, said each agency has been talking about what to do next. —Amy Taxin, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2024

These are filled with almond cream and a salted, caramel custard-style swirl. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024

There are also vegan varieties that use almonds as a protein source, as well as collagen powders available. —Alexandra Paetow Ms Rdn, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024

Add a generous spoonful of the almond cream into the core of every third leaf. —Gisela Williams, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024

The beach and almond trees bloom and the wheat fields are golden. —Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2024

Those don’t have almonds, so almonds aren’t listed among the allergens. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

While high fat foods such as almonds and avocados are high in calories, fats offer slow meal absorption and actually help to avoid blood sugar spikes. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

More than a gallon of water is required to grow a single almond and roughly 1,600 gallons of water are needed for one liter of almond milk. —Sunny Nagpaul, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing almond

• almond-eyed
• almond milk
• bitter almond
• Jordan almond

Kids Definition

almond

noun

al·​mond ˈäm-ənd  ˈam- 

ˈäl-mənd,

ˈal-

: 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

almond

noun

al·​mond ˈäm-ənd  ˈam-; ˈäl-mənd  ˈal- 

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