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

From Peel to Pulp Every part of this sassy citrus is edible and delightful–the juice, pulp, rind, and even the leaves used to make minty or fruity lemonades or Arnold Palmers, sweet and savory sauces, vinaigrettes, soups like Greek avgolemono, pilafs, picatas, risottos, and pasta dishes. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026

Wrapping cheese tightly in plastic wrap can trap excess moisture, encouraging mold growth, while also softening the rind of hard cheeses. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026

This recipe relies on a cheesy boost of flavor with a generous amount of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese folded into the meatballs and a hunk of the cheese rind added to the broth for more umami depth. —Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026

Gallons of fermenting fruit rinds for the vibrant aguas frescas chill near the array of drying chilies and madre tallow mixtures, but the tight confines mean some sacrifices. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 2 Apr. 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)