pear

noun

ˈper 

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

Examples of pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prickly pear peel extract contains bioactive chemicals such as betalains, which have documented antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. —Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 17 June 2026

With aromas of Granny Smith apple and lemon zest, this wine features dazzling acidity and flavors of Meyer lemon, Bartlett pear, vanilla, and thyme. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026

Unlike many symmetrical cuts, the pear shape has a distinctive sense of direction, creating movement and lending a stronger visual identity. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 17 June 2026

Avoid storing carrots near apples or pears. —Aviva Patz, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pear

• alligator pear
• Anjou pear
• Asian pear
• avocado pear
• Bradford callery pear
• Bradford pear
• callery pear
• d'Anjou pear
• go pear-shaped
• pear psylla
• pear-shaped
• prickly pear
• prickly pear cactus
• prickly pear fruit
• vegetable pear

Rhymes for pear

• air
• ayre
• bahr
• bare
• blare
• care
• chair
• claire
• ere
• err
• eyre
• fair

Kids Definition

pear

noun

ˈpa(ə)r 

ˈpe(ə)r

: a fruit that is commonly larger at the end opposite the stem and typically has a pale green or brownish skin and juicy flesh

also : a tree that bears pears and is related to the apple