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

Illustration of pomegranate

Examples of pomegranate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its notes of bright pine, juicy pomegranate and mandarin, and spicy cinnamon and cloves combine into what, for me, is the winter scent. — Kara McGrath, Allure, 29 Oct. 2026 Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and trehalose provide hydration, while fermented extracts from pear, pomegranate, and barley to complete the ingredient list. — Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026 Pomegranate arils, or seeds, and pomegranate juice have compounds such as ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and organic acids. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 23 Oct. 2026 The base was decorated with pomegranates picked from a tree planted by the late Prince Philip on the castle’s East Terrace five decades ago. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pomegranate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pomegranate was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pomegranate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pomegranate. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

: 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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pomegranate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!