almond

noun

al·​mond ˈä-mənd  ˈa-  ˈäl- 

ˈal-

1

a

: the drupaceous fruit of a small tree (Prunus dulcis synonym P. amygdalus) of the rose family with flowers and young fruit resembling those of the peach

especially : its ellipsoidal edible kernel used as a nut

b

: any of several similar fruits

2

: a tree that produces almonds

Illustration of almond

• almond 1a

Did you know?

This nut is seed of a tree in the rose family, native to Southwest Asia. The tree grows somewhat larger and lives longer than the peach. It is strikingly beautiful when in flower. The nuts are either sweet or bitter. Sweet almonds are the edible type consumed as nuts and used in cooking. The extracted oil of bitter almonds is used to make flavoring extracts for foods and liqueurs. Almonds provide small amounts of protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, and are high in fat.

Examples of almond in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gift your favorite chocolate obsessive Hu’s Dark Chocolate Variety Pack, which offers a sampling of flavors like almond butter and puffed quinoa to crunchy mint. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 21 Nov. 2023

One whiff and you'll immediately be met with a delightful blend of brown sugar sweetness and the rich, nutty aroma of almonds. —Michelle Rostamian, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023

As usual, her nails are filed into a long, elegant almond shape, made even more glamorous by the deep wine hue. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 17 Nov. 2023

Toasted hazelnuts or almonds pulsed in with the grahams give the crust even more depth. —Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 17 Nov. 2023

Toss buckwheat soba noodles with veggies, black-eyed peas, and a sauce made with almond butter seasoned with ginger, garlic, and chili pepper. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 9 Nov. 2023

Flasks of green tea and bowls of sugarcoated almonds made their way from a tea bar in a corner. —Mujib Mashal Jim Huylebroek, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2023

The kale Caesar with marcona almonds and Parmesan will, likely, leave you dissatisfied with nearly every other salad in the world. —Alexandra Malmed, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2023

Throw some in a bowl and call it a day! Nuts About Rosemary Mix: Another simple appetizer offering, each canister offers a mix of crunchy roasted almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and pecans — all blended with a rosemary and sea salt seasoning and sprinkled with a dash of sugar. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Nov. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English almande, from Anglo-French alemande from Late Latin amandula, alteration of Latin amygdala, from Greek amygdalē

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing almond

• almond milk
• bitter almond
• Jordan almond
• almond-eyed

• almond milk
• bitter almond
• Jordan almond
• almond-eyed

Kids Definition

almond

noun

al·​mond ˈäm-ənd  ˈam- 

ˈäl-mənd,

ˈal-

: a small tree related to the roses and having flowers like those of a peach tree

also : the edible kernel of its fruit used as a nut

Medical Definition

almond

noun

al·​mond ˈäm-ənd  ˈam-; ˈäl-mənd  ˈal- 

1

: a small tree (Prunus amygdalus) of the rose family with flowers and young fruit resembling those of the peach

2

: the drupaceous fruit of the almond

especially : its ellipsoidal edible kernel used as a nut compare amygdalin