pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpä-mə-ˌgra-nət 

ˈpäm-ˌgra-nət,

ˈpəm- 

1

: a several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor

2

: a widely cultivated tropical Asian tree (Punica granatum of the family Punicaceae) bearing pomegranates

Illustration of pomegranate

Examples of pomegranate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some fans are lined up at the bar to purchase the night’s signature drink: a pomegranate cosmo that’s as sickeningly sweet as Charli’s best songs. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 June 2024

For example, Tucson’s prickly pear fruit could be replaced with pomegranate, the drought-tolerant fruit native to the Middle East. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 3 June 2024

The chef José Pizarro buzzes through the covered market in Barbate at speed–past flamenco buskers holding their guitars up to their chins, and pomegranates, dragon fruit, and crab’s feet—making a beeline for razor clams and bluefin tuna, called atún rojo in Spain for its ruby flesh. —Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2024

Throughout history, the fruit has been steeped in ancient Greek and Roman mythology, but today, modern research has confirmed that pomegranate is packed with immune-boosting antioxidants. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 13 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet, from Anglo-French pome garnette, literally, seedy fruit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət  ˈpəm-ˌgran- 

: a reddish fruit about the size of an orange that has a thick leathery skin and many seeds in a pulp of tart flavor

also : a tropical Asian tree that produces pomegranates

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet "pomegranate," from early French pomme garnette "pomegranate," literally, "seedy fruit"; pomme from earlier pome "apple" and grenate derived from Latin granum "grain, seed" — related to garnet, grain, grenade see Word History at garnet

Medical Definition

pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət  ˈpəm-ˌgran- 

1

: a tart thick-skinned several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange

2

: a widely cultivated tropical Old World tree (Punica granatum of the family Punicaceae) bearing pomegranates and having bark and roots which were formerly used in dried form as a taeniacide