durian

noun

du·​ri·​an ˈdu̇r-ē-ən 

-ē-ˌän

also ˈdyu̇r-

1

: a large oval tasty but foul-smelling fruit with a prickly rind

2

: a southeast Asian tree (Durio zibethinus) of the mallow family that bears durians

Examples of durian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To her, durians taste creamy and are like both fruit and dessert. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

As well as preparing 142 cold rooms for preserving the extra stock, the authority has been buying durians from farmers at a base price to protect their incomes. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 6 July 2026

Very proud of their durian there. — AFAR Media, 30 May 2026

Later, in their double at the hostel, Joost hacked at the durian over a copy of People’s Daily. — Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Malay

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for durian

• arthurian
• centurion
• silurian