pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpä-lən 

1

: a mass of microspores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust

2

: a dusty bloom on the body of an insect

Examples of pollen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both indoor and outdoor pollutants, including dirt, pollen, hair, and dander, settle on windowsills over time, leaving a layer of dust that should be removed before liquid cleaners are introduced to the surface. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2026

While spring pollen season is primary driven by tree pollen from March through early June, peak summer season begins in June through the fall, driven primarily by grass pollen and lingering tree pollen, according to experts. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026

The shallow boxes above, known as honey supers, store honey and pollen. —Literary Hub, 27 May 2026

The garden’s heirloom tomatoes star in a returning signature dish each summer, featuring coconut fennel pollen custard, plum consomme, leek oil and sesame tuile. —Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pollin-, pollen, from Latin, fine flour

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pollen

• pollen basket
• pollen count
• pollen grain
• pollen mother cell
• pollen sac
• pollen tube

Rhymes for pollen

• cauline
• fallen
• paulin
• befallen
• crestfallen
• tarpaulin

Kids Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of tiny particles in the anthers of a flower that fertilize the seeds and usually appear as fine yellow dust

Medical Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of male spores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust