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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most fruit trees are grafted, including ornamental crabapples, pears and cherry trees. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 Wrapped in notes of Sichuan pepper, pear, lemon, honey, and musk, rose takes on a quality that’s at once spicy, zesty, fruity, honeyed, and musky. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026 Citrus scents include ingredients like bergamot, lemon, orange, or grapefruit; fruity fragrances would include ingredients like berries, peach, or pear. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026 The compliment magnet has top notes of refreshing, juicy pear, a feminine freesia heart, and deep, sensual patchouli base. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pear

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pear was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pear. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pear

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster