pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpä-lən How to pronounce pollen (audio)
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
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.
Scientists have found that fungi, algae, pollen, lichens, insects, bacteria and viruses are especially good at encouraging water to freeze. Carl Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2025 For kids who suffer from asthma or allergies like dust and pollen, wool and jute are especially sought after for keeping bacteria and germs at bay thanks to their thickly woven surfaces that trap air inside of the rug and prevent germs from multiplying. Briana Feigon, Architectural Digest, 24 Feb. 2025 According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an incredibly cold droplet of water freezes onto a dust or pollen particle in the sky to produce a snowflake. Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025 Here’s a list of the elements a property must have to become Certified Wildlife Habitat: A minimum of three types of food, including native plants, berries or seeds, pollen, a bird feeder, foliage or twigs. Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pollen

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollen was in 1723

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pollen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollen. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pollen

noun
pol·​len ˈpäl-ən How to pronounce pollen (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce pollen (audio)
: a mass of male spores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust

More from Merriam-Webster on pollen

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