pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpä-mə-ˌgra-nət 

ˈpäm-ˌgra-nət, 

ˈpəm- 

1

: a several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor

2

: a widely cultivated tropical Asian tree (Punica granatum of the family Lythraceae) bearing pomegranates

Illustration of pomegranate

Examples of pomegranate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bare root blueberries, figs, grapes and pomegranates are already available in local nurseries. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025

Leafy Greens Like pomegranates, leafy greens like kale and spinach are rich in naturally occurring nitrates, according to Geoffrey Abbott, PhD, a professor of physiology and biophysics in the School of Medicine at UC Irvine. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 5 Dec. 2025

To make a pomegranate salsa, chop green onions, cilantro, jalapeňo pepper, and avocado, and add olive oil. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025

Nest New York delivers on the sort of scent profile that relates holiday cheer with pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber, and at 25% off. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet, from Anglo-French pome garnette, literally, seedy fruit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pomegranate

• gannet
• granite
• planet
• intranet

Kids Definition

pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət  ˈpəm-ˌgran- 

: a reddish fruit about the size of an orange that has a thick leathery skin and many seeds in a pulp of tart flavor

also : a tropical Asian tree that produces pomegranates

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet "pomegranate," from early French pomme garnette "pomegranate," literally, "seedy fruit"; pomme from earlier pome "apple" and grenate derived from Latin granum "grain, seed" — related to garnet, grain, grenade see Word History at garnet

Medical Definition

pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət  ˈpəm-ˌgran- 

1

: a tart thick-skinned several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange

2

: a widely cultivated tropical Old World tree (Punica granatum of the family Lythraceae) bearing pomegranates and having bark and roots which were formerly used in dried form as a taeniacide