pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpä-mə-ˌgra-nət How to pronounce pomegranate (audio)
ˈpäm-ˌgra-nət,
ˈpəm- How to pronounce pomegranate (audio)
1
: a several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor
2
: a widely cultivated tropical Asian tree (Punica granatum of the family Lythraceae) bearing pomegranates

Illustration of pomegranate

Illustration of pomegranate

Examples of pomegranate in a Sentence

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.
There are extra-healthy twists on standard breakfast fare, such as buckwheat or chickpea pancakes and mung bean porridge, as well as savory dishes like hummus toast with sunflower seed cheese, radish salad, and pomegranate. Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025 In this healthful salad, Brussels sprouts are combined with apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, shallots and Dijon-vinegar dressing. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 2025 The team used a natural compound derived from the pomegranate tree to improve lithium recovery from smelting slags, a rocky byproduct that’s formed when ores are melted. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025 The results showed that drinking pomegranate juice lowered blood pressure. Merve Ceylan, Health, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pomegranate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet, from Anglo-French pome garnette, literally, seedy fruit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pomegranate was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pomegranate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pomegranate. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pomegranate

noun
: a reddish fruit about the size of an orange that has a thick leathery skin and many seeds in a pulp of tart flavor
also : a tropical Asian tree that produces pomegranates
Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet "pomegranate," from early French pomme garnette "pomegranate," literally, "seedy fruit"; pomme from earlier pome "apple" and grenate derived from Latin granum "grain, seed" — related to garnet, grain, grenade see Word History at garnet

Medical Definition

pomegranate

noun
1
: a tart thick-skinned several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange
2
: a widely cultivated tropical Old World tree (Punica granatum of the family Punicaceae) bearing pomegranates and having bark and roots which were formerly used in dried form as a taeniacide

More from Merriam-Webster on pomegranate

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