durian

noun

du·​ri·​an ˈdu̇r-ē-ən 

-ē-ˌän

also ˈdyu̇r-

1

: a large oval tasty but foul-smelling fruit with a prickly rind

2

: a southeast Asian tree (Durio zibethinus) of the mallow family that bears durians

Examples of durian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The produce department features tropical fruits such as jackfruit, dragon fruit, mangoes, sweet tamarind and durian, alongside a large selection of Asian vegetables and a wide variety of mushrooms that can compete with any local farmer’s market. — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

The hotel has 15 acres of gardens that are home to more than 110 varieties of flora and fauna, including local fruit trees like durian, rambutan, and chiku. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

At the Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre, near the landmark Petronas Twin Towers, visitors venture into a replica durian orchard to discover the fruit’s culture and history. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Hui Lau Shan also serves non-mango desserts, including a black sesame porridge, durian pancakes, taro sago chewy balls and an aloe jelly watermelon juice. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Malay

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for durian

• arthurian
• centurion
• silurian