pear

noun \ ˈper \

Definition of pear

1 :a pome fruit of a tree (genus Pyrus, especially P. communis) of the rose family that typically has a pale green or brownish skin, a firm juicy flesh, and an oblong shape in which a broad base end tapers upward to a narrow stem end

2 :a tree bearing pears

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Recent Examples of pear from the Web

To maximize health without maximizing spend, stock 8 pounds of apples ($10.40), 8 pounds of pears ($12.80), and 5 pounds of grapes ($16.65).

— jodi o'connell, Philly.com, "How much does it cost to stock the typical family refrigerator?," 6 Aug. 2017
This Medford company, known for its gift baskets and holiday pears, sold to online florist and gift company 1-800-Flowers.com for $142.5 million in 2014.

— OregonLive.com, "11 Oregon food and drink brands that went national," 7 July 2017
Brazilian puff pastry is layered with mascarpone cheese and pear compote, with red wine gelatin — in cubes!

— carlos frías, miamiherald, "This new Miami restaurant is literally fire," 21 June 2017
The juices with the highest positive rates were: grape (89 percent of 44 samples), mixed fruit (67 percent of 111 samples), apple (55 percent of 44 samples), and pear (45 percent of 44 samples).

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Watchdog report finds alarming 20% of baby food tested contains lead," 16 June 2017
Admittedly, Cognac isn't exactly a street drink, and Hennessy is no six-pack of suds or hip flask of whiskey, yet behind the heady notes of pear, bananas, and butterscotch, there's a hint of contrarian.

— jason tesauro, Esquire, "Why Exuberant Street Art and Smooth Cognac Make a Perfect Pair," 12 June 2017
At 1 p.m., staff and zoo patrons gathered to sing to Charlotte, then watched her tear into her gift — a large cardboard box filled with some of her favorite things to eat, including marshmallows, dried apples, grapes and pears.

— erin sauder, Elgin Courier-News, "Randall Oaks Zoo staff throws birthday party for Charlotte the pig," 12 June 2017
While all of the six courses evoke unexpected flavors, one of our favorites is a melted 18-month-old Austrian Alpine cheese with pear and licorice, coupled with a cider and stone pine drink.

— jessica jungbauer, CNT, "Where to Eat in Berlin Right Now," 12 June 2017
The menu includes foie gras and bacon jam served with a Belgium waffle; filet mignon served with foie gras ravioli in a black truffle Madeira sauce; and a warm gingerbread with foie gras terrine, caramelized pears and port reduction.

— carolina gusman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Happy Father's Day: 44 restaurants to celebrate Dad in San Diego," 8 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pear.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of pear

Middle English pere, from Old English peru, from Vulgar Latin *pira, from Latin, plural of pirum

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

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Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

PEAR Defined for English Language Learners

pear

noun

Definition of pear for English Language Learners

: a sweet fruit that is narrow near the stem and rounded at the other end and that grows on a tree; also : the tree that this fruit grows on

PEAR Defined for Kids

pear

noun \ ˈper \

Definition of pear for Students

:a fruit with pale green or brownish skin and white sweet juicy flesh that is usually larger at the end opposite the stem

Learn More about pear

See words that rhyme with pear Spanish Central: Translation of pear Nglish: Translation of pear for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pear for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pear

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pear

Definition of pear

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Definition of pear for English Language Learners

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Definition of pear for Students

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