pear

noun

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 Thin marble-size fruits on mature stone fruit, apple and pear trees. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2024 The desert cactus margarita made with reposado tequila, agave organic nectar, pear and sweet and sour and served in a souvenir cactus mug promises to quench thirsts. Georgann Yara, The Arizona Republic, 19 Feb. 2024 Sample items: pear and gorgonzola flatbread ($17), burgers (angus or garden patty) on brioche buns, a roasted butternut squash panini ($17) and coq au vin ($29). Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2024 The baby gets a smattering of fresh fruits including yellow plums ($7.98 for four), raspberries ($8.99 for a double carton), and pears ($2.30 for three). Bon Appétit Contributor, Bon Appétit, 4 Apr. 2024 Think Asian pear, crisp guava and floral jasmine flavors. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 The state's ban on the Callery pear tree went into effect in February. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024 The Callery pear, or Bradford pear, is one of those vampires. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 22 Mar. 2024 Their signature motif, going simply by area, is a pointillist carpet of colors, which may signal a cluster of pear trees or a watery reflection à la Monet. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pear was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near pear

Cite this Entry

“Pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pear. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

pear

noun
ˈpa(ə)r How to pronounce pear (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pear

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