durian

noun

du·​ri·​an ˈdu̇r-ē-ən How to pronounce durian (audio)
-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
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Hui Lau Shan also serves non-mango desserts, including a black sesame porridge, durian pancakes, taro sago chewy balls and an aloe jelly watermelon juice. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for durian

Word History

Etymology

Malay

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of durian was in 1588

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Cite this Entry

“Durian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/durian. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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