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

Perhaps their immune systems were sensitized to alpha-gal by a local fungus, parasite, or pollen. — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Pollinating animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies that allows for the reproductive system of most flowering plants. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

Bees choose flowers based on the taste of pollen. — Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

Researchers found that having a cat or dog in your home could result in protection from pet (and pollen) allergies in infants. — Yvonne Villasenor, USA Today, 24 June 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