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

Longer pollen seasons can increase allergen exposures. —Vijay Limaye, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025

But as spring nears and green pollen begins to cover everything in sight, this is the best time to go through your household stash of allergy meds. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Nov. 2025

Over the last several years, there have been substantial environmental changes all around the globe, resulting in higher UV radiation, poor air quality, and rising pollen levels. —William Jones, Ascend Agency, 11 Nov. 2025

Indoor air can contain pollen, allergens, pet dander, odor, dust, and more. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 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