rind

noun

ˈrīnd How to pronounce rind (audio)
dialectal
ˈrīn How to pronounce rind (audio)
1
: the bark of a tree
2
: a usually hard or tough outer layer : peel, crust
rinded adjective

Examples of rind in a Sentence

the rind of a watermelon the rind of a cheese
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.
The doctors need only the rind to cure their patients, while the researchers need only the juice to further their science. Forbestv, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Wrapping cheese tightly in plastic wrap can cut off the oxygen supply and trap moisture, leading to mold growth and spoilage, not to mention softening the rind of your beloved hard cheeses. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 Because the pulp is so bitter, it is not used in cooking as often as the leaves or rind. Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 If the watermelon is still unripe, the spot on the rind will be white. Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rind

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German rinda bark, and probably to Old English rendan to rend

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rind was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rind. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

rind

noun
: the bark of a tree
also : a usually hard or tough outer layer (as the skin of a fruit)

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