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.
Neverland Pizzeria founder Josep Zara said he was inspired by a fresco unearthed in Pompeii in 2023 that appeared to show a focaccia-like flatbread with spices, pomegranate seeds and dates. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026 Antioxidants Are Helpful, but Not a Halo Berries, pomegranates, and citrus are often promoted for their antioxidants. Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 9 Mar. 2026 Pomegranate Juice May Offer More Blood Pressure Benefits Due to its higher levels of potassium, pomegranate makes a better choice for those trying to manage their blood pressure. Jillian Kubala, Health, 9 Mar. 2026 Don’t fertilize fig trees, pomegranate, pineapple guava, tropical guava and loquat, Instead, mulch them with a 3-inch-thick layer of coarse wood mulch. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026 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 13 Mar. 2026.

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 Lythraceae) bearing pomegranates and having bark and roots which were formerly used in dried form as a taeniacide

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