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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When Tamia got to the counter, the only flavors that remained were pear and espresso. Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2025 Crisp apple and pear slices, and plump figs add a touch of crunch and freshness. Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025 Speaking of Jasmine, her pear-and-chocolate frangipane tart looks so perfect Tom could have baked it. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 Dinner at the new Asayss restaurant includes peppery chicken briouate pastries, M’hamsa—a risotto-like dish—with prawns and asparagus, poached Asni pears with chocolate and argan oil, and milk pastilla infused with orange blossom water. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pear

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

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Cite this Entry

“Pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pear. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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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