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

Whether breezy linen panels in the living room or heavier drapes in the bedroom, those long fabrics catch pollen, pet dander, cooking residue, and everyday dust. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

According to Larry Cowgill, a professor of veterinary nephrology at the University of California at Davis, even pollen, stamens and petals that drop from shelves can be toxic. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Here's the pollen forecast for Massachusetts. —Mamie Bah, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026

If the flowers of sweet almond trees are pollinated with pollen from their bitter almond cousins, the resulting nuts are likely to be poisonous. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 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