rind

noun

ˈrīnd How to pronounce rind (audio)
 dialectal  ˈrīn
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.
Examine the Skin Texture The skin (rind) of the watermelon can tell you a lot about the ripeness of the fruit. Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025 Watermelon and pickled watermelon rinds bring a tart-sweet contrast to this fruit salad. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 June 2025 Aromas of hickory, smoke, cassis, red licorice, cumin, black pepper and orange rind. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 The plant produces small fruits with hard rinds ranging from green to purple, depending on ripeness. Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 June 2025 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 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

rind

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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