pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpä-lən 

1

: a mass of microspores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust

2

: a dusty bloom on the body of an insect

Examples of pollen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier measures to combat desertification across its arid northern regions included sand-fixing methods like straw, plastic barriers, and pollen-heavy shrubs. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026

If there's not enough rain, the plants won't grow, which diminishes the pollen supply. — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 25 July 2026

People with asthma should continue working with their physicians, taking prescribed medications and reducing exposure to other asthma triggers, such as cigarette smoke, dust mites, pollen and viral respiratory infections. — Ashwini Sehgal, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

The queen lays the eggs, 1,000 a day; the drones’ sole purpose is to mate with the queen; worker bees forage for nectar and pollen, as well as build, repair, and defend the hive. — Richard Schiffman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pollin-, pollen, from Latin, fine flour

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pollen

• pollen basket
• pollen count
• pollen grain
• pollen mother cell
• pollen sac
• pollen tube

Rhymes for pollen

• cauline
• fallen
• paulin
• befallen
• crestfallen
• tarpaulin

Kids Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of tiny particles in the anthers of a flower that fertilize the seeds and usually appear as fine yellow dust

Medical Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of male spores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust