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

Few studies examining pomegranate's effect on prostate cancer have been conducted in humans. —Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025

Porta Blu will offer a lavish Easter brunch buffet, with succulent prime rib; fresh cocktail shrimp; a salad with pomegranate, strawberries, rose apples and parmesan; lemon ricotta pancakes,; vegetable frittata; and braised cabbage with Bechamel and grainy Dijon. —Laura Ness, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2025

The tannins are velvety and lead to flavors of pomegranate, cranberry, Luxardo cherry, and finely ground Chinese five spice powder. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025

Each style features notes of their respective season’s flavors — fresh ginger and orange peel for fall; strawberry and rhubarb for spring; peaches and grapefruit for summer; pomegranate and cardamom for winter — fortified with neutral grape brandy. —Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 25 June 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 Punicaceae) bearing pomegranates and having bark and roots which were formerly used in dried form as a taeniacide