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

Pruning pear trees follows the same basic process as pruning apples. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026

Scoop some vanilla ice cream into bowls; top each with a pear half and generously drizzle wine syrup over. —Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Feb. 2026

Wild Flower – Monkey 47 Gin, Herban Liqueur, yuzu, pear puree, spritz of salt water, splash of tonic water and Alyssum flower garnish. —Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026

But the official tasting notes describe Seville orange, orchard fruit, and wood spice on the nose, followed by notes of poached pears, forest berries, sweet toffee, and orange marmalade on the palate. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 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