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

Kampot is also renowned for its durian, a tropical spiky fruit which—despite its pungent smell, often compared with smelly socks—is beloved for its sweet custardy taste. —Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Mollé Pâtisserie This contemporary Chinese bakery blends Asian desserts with French pastry, offering everything from mochi and pineapple buns to tarts and opéras infused with flavors like yuzu, taro, matcha, and durian. —Angela Lian, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026

Thiols are responsible for the distinctive aromas of skunk spray and ripe durian; they’re also added to natural gas to provide a detectable rotten-egg smell at even trace levels. —Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026

Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi are the greatest production sources of durian across the country. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Malay

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for durian

• arthurian
• centurion
• silurian