rind

noun

ˈrīnd 

dialectal

ˈrīn 

1

: the bark of a tree

2

: a usually hard or tough outer layer : peel, crust

rinded

ˈrīn-dəd 

adjective

Examples of rind in a Sentence

the rind of a watermelon

the rind of a cheese

Recent Examples on the Web

If your cheese is triangular, it can be turned on its side, sliced down the center, and then cut into thin pieces with a bit of rind on one end, Stone says. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026

Depending on the variety of marmalade, the rind can be cut into thick pieces or into tiny shreds. —Amy Sherman, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026

Just make sure to remove whatever is left of the rind when ready to serve. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026

For the viral parmesan rind puffs, cut the rind off the block and dice it into small cubes. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Jan. 2026

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

Phrases Containing rind

• pork rind

Rhymes for rind

• bind
• blind
• dined
• find
• fined
• grind
• hind
• kind
• lined
• mind
• mined
• pined

Kids Definition

rind

noun

ˈrīnd 

: the bark of a tree

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