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

General maintenance schedules suggest once or twice a year, but allergy sufferers benefit from more frequent attention, especially during peak pollen seasons in spring and fall when indoor allergen loads tend to spike. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026

Typically, this is all that’s needed to remove the pollen. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026

Research that has artificially introduced hives into natural areas like the high Sierra – places beekeepers don’t typically go – has generated competition that left less pollen and nectar for the native bees. —Andony Melathopoulos, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026

Cities and counties already expect higher debris collections each February and March, as live oaks lining city streets dump leaves and pollen ahead of spring. —Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 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