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

Many of our most beloved Southern garden species are frequent stops for the carpenter bee, which eats flower pollen and nectar like many other pollinating insects. —Katie Akin, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025

Gentle, cleansing baths can help ease skin irritation and clear pollen and other irritants from fur as well. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025

Common types of fall plant pollen include:68 Ragweed Burning bush Cocklebur Lamb’s-quarters Pigweed Spring allergies typically stem from tree pollens. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 23 Apr. 2025

Unfortunately, factors such as climate change and the loss of natural flower-rich landscapes are now making pollen a scarce commodity in various locations. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 22 Apr. 2025

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