melon

noun

mel·​on ˈme-lən 

plural melons

often attributive

1

: any of various typically sweet gourds (such as a muskmelon or watermelon) usually eaten raw as fruits

2

: something rounded like a melon: such as

a

: a rounded organ in the front of the head of some cetaceans and all toothed whales that is composed of lipids and waxy material and is thought to be utilized in echolocation

b

: a person's head

A great afternoon at the park usually meant coming home with blisters on our hands, a bump or two on the melon and the obligatory skinned knee.

—Robb Moretti

3

a

: a surplus of profits available for distribution to stockholders

b

: a financial windfall

Synonyms of melon

• head
• skull
• bean
• noodle
• pate
• dome
• noggin

Examples of melon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Among the specialties most appreciated by the guests was the melon frost, which literally went like hot cakes. —Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 7 June 2026

Tomatoes, bread, potatoes, garlic, oil, avocados, coffee, and fruits like melons and peaches, unless ripe, should not be stored in the refrigerator. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 7 June 2026

This 10-pack of plastic melon cradles was a lifesaver last year once my pumpkins started maturing late July. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026

And the green, gorgeous Honeydew Smash ($19) boasts the gem-like tint of Midori Melon Liqueur, made with both Dos Hombres Tequila and Mezcal and finished with a garnish of fruity melon chunks. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin melon-, melo, short for Latin melopepon-, melopepo, from Greek mēlopepōn, from mēlon apple + pepōn, an edible gourd — more at pumpkin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing melon

• honeydew melon
• melon baller
• winter melon

Rhymes for melon

• felon
• snellen
• tellin
• endothelin
• gibberellin
• watermelon
• muskmelon

Kids Definition

melon

noun

mel·​on ˈmel-ən 

: any of various fruits (as a cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or watermelon) of the gourd family that have juicy and usually sweet flesh eaten raw and a firm rind