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

These bloom in late summer and early fall, offering nectar and pollen later in the season for pollinators. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

Use a small brush to dab pollen from the outer stamens to the center blossom to mimic pollination. —Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026

The biggest cause of spring allergies is pollen, according to WebMD. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026

While trees — oak, birch, maple — dominate early spring, grass pollen often overlaps in late spring from May to June, leading to higher, more intense allergy loads for sufferers. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 5 Mar. 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