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

But many non-native plants also can be good nectar and pollen sources. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026

Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kendall Jenner and Alexander Skarsgard have also been spotted in the dining room that serves up dumplings with yogurt and fennel pollen; tuna with black lime, zhug and pomegranate; and Lamb Wellington. —Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

With summer comes pollen, grass and mulch debris, dust, and so many other pollutants that infiltrate the inside of your home. —Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026

Dirt and pollen also contribute to the issue. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 22 May 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