pear

noun

ˈper 

1

: a pome fruit of a tree (genus Pyrus, especially P. communis) of the rose family that typically has a pale green or brownish skin, a firm juicy flesh, and an oblong shape in which a broad base end tapers upward to a narrow stem end

2

: a tree bearing pears

Examples of pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On Helen Jo’s side, the black sesame almond cake with red wine poached pear and almond ice cream ($15) is a staple that will remain on the list. —Jenna Thompson march 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

Ritani is a great pick for those who want options, with 10 different shape varieties to choose from, including classics like round, cushion, and oval, as well as marquise, pear, and heart. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 26 Mar. 2026

If the war goes pear-shaped, they will be poised to steer the party’s future. —Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026

More than half of the USDA's samples of peaches, plums, nectarines and pears had residues of fludioxonil, which may harm the liver, hormones and nervous system, the EWG said based on findings from animal studies. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pere, from Old English peru, from Vulgar Latin *pira, from Latin, plural of pirum

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pear

• alligator pear
• Anjou pear
• Asian pear
• avocado pear
• Bradford callery pear
• Bradford pear
• callery pear
• d'Anjou pear
• go pear-shaped
• pear psylla
• pear-shaped
• prickly pear
• prickly pear cactus
• prickly pear fruit
• vegetable pear

Rhymes for pear

• air
• ayre
• bahr
• bare
• blare
• care
• chair
• claire
• ere
• err
• eyre
• fair

Kids Definition

pear

noun

ˈpa(ə)r 

ˈpe(ə)r

: a fruit that is commonly larger at the end opposite the stem and typically has a pale green or brownish skin and juicy flesh

also : a tree that bears pears and is related to the apple