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

Local Honey Local honey contains small amounts of pollen sourced from bees within close proximity to where it is sold. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025

Monitor pollen forecasts and check local air quality data to get an idea of your risk for allergies and asthma. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025

One study that examined 60 location across North America found pollen seasons expanded by an average of 20 days from 1990 to 2018 and pollen concentrations increased by 21%. —Christine Cairns Fortuin, The Conversation, 5 May 2025

Keep windows closed: During high pollen seasons, keep your car and home windows closed. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 5 May 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