pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpä-lən 

1

: a mass of microspores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust

2

: a dusty bloom on the body of an insect

Examples of pollen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This, along with never sleeping in your outdoor clothes, can help cut down on body oil, sweat, dirt, pollen, or bacteria from transferring from your clothes to your bedsheets. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026

As a result, the spirits are crafted with a key ingredient of manuka honey that helps protect the throat paired alongside more soothing botanicals such as bee pollen and chamomile. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

Altom recommends considering what a plant will drop, too, including leaves, flowers, seeds, and pollen, since all of that can accumulate on the condenser coil. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026

The main filter comes with a fine-mesh inner basket for capturing particles such as sand, pollen, and other grit. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pollin-, pollen, from Latin, fine flour

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pollen

• pollen basket
• pollen count
• pollen grain
• pollen mother cell
• pollen sac
• pollen tube

Rhymes for pollen

• cauline
• fallen
• paulin
• befallen
• crestfallen
• tarpaulin

Kids Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of tiny particles in the anthers of a flower that fertilize the seeds and usually appear as fine yellow dust

Medical Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of male spores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust