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

Grab some marcona almonds, sardine skewers, and paquitos de jamon with a glass of wine or cava for happy hour. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026

The shoes are known for their satin almond toe design, which features a square crystal buckle encased in a gunmetal frame. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

As usual, Bieber's nails were a medium length and filed into her preferred almond shape. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 Sep. 2026

Dennis did manage to recall enjoying chef LaQueanya Henry of Sugar Coated Cupcakes’s fig honey-vanilla cheesecake, layered with almond shortbread crumble, Black Mission fig compote, honey mascarpone and pistachio praline crunch. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

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/cashew butter
• almond-eyed
• almond milk
• bitter almond
• Jordan almond

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