rind

noun

ˈrīnd 

dialectal

ˈrīn 

1

: the bark of a tree

2

: a usually hard or tough outer layer : peel, crust

rinded

ˈrīn-dəd 

adjective

Examples of rind in a Sentence

the rind of a watermelon

the rind of a cheese

Recent Examples on the Web

Once the melon is sliced, a blade can drag bacteria from the rind straight into the moist, nutrient-rich flesh, where pathogens have room to grow. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Inside, temperatures hover between 50 and 54 degrees, with humidity and airflow constantly adjusted to grow fluffy white rinds and unlock maximum flavor. — Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026

Instead, bring a soft-rind cheese that can hold its own weight. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026

Though citron doesn’t contain much juice, the rinds can be candied or pickled. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German rinda bark, and probably to Old English rendan to rend

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing rind

• pork rind

Rhymes for rind

• bind
• blind
• dined
• find
• fined
• grind
• hind
• kind
• lined
• mind
• mined
• pined

Kids Definition

rind

noun

ˈrīnd 

: the bark of a tree

also : a usually hard or tough outer layer (as the skin of a fruit)