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

Climate change is contributing to longer and more severe pollen seasons across the Northern Hemisphere. —Keerti Gopal, ArsTechnica, 8 May 2026

But the most common proxies, including tree rings, pollen and ice cores containing pockets of ancient air, have already been well studied. —Hannah Richter, Scientific American, 7 May 2026

When tetraploid and diploid plants are crossed, pollen from the diploids is brushed onto the stigmas of the tetraploids. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 May 2026

Letting clovers, dandelions and other low-growing plants flourish can provide nectar and pollen, while also reducing water use. —CBS News, 7 May 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