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.
Starting as a bump underneath the bark of a limb, each fig has its flowers and pollen on the inside. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 Allergies: People with allergies, especially to pollen or dust mites, are more likely to develop chronic rhinosinusitis. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Mar. 2025 Check for local pollen forecasts and current pollen levels. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025 Some, but not all, people who are allergic to strawberries are also allergic to pollen and may experience chronic symptoms of allergic rhinitis during certain times of the year.11 Treatment for Mild Symptoms Work with an allergist to determine the best treatment option. Corinne Savides Happel, Verywell Health, 25 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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