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

For a snowflake to form, a freezing water droplet attaches itself to one of those floating dust, soot, or pollen particles. —Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 22 Jan. 2026

For cedar pollen immunotherapy — whether traditional allergy shots or drops placed under the tongue — allergists often recommend starting six to 12 months ahead of the season. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026

The couple came up with a recipe containing 22 botanicals, larynx-soothing ingredients, Manuka honey, bee pollen, and chamomile among them. —Nick Scott, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2026

Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen are common triggers of allergies in your home. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 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