rind

noun

ˈrīnd How to pronounce rind (audio)
 dialectal  ˈrīn
1
: the bark of a tree
2
: a usually hard or tough outer layer : peel, crust
rinded adjective

Examples of rind in a Sentence

the rind of a watermelon the rind of a cheese
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.
Not the pitted crow-feather black olives that cuddled between gherkins and pickled watermelon rind in our holiday relish dish; those were tasteless gloomy orbs cured with lye and dyed with chemical additives. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 28 July 2025 While watermelon is safe for dogs to eat, the American Kennel Club says that the seeds inside could cause intestinal blockage, and the rind might lead to gastrointestinal upset. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025 Originating in the once-borderless lands of Asia, the earliest lemons were far too bitter to eat, but humans established plenty of medical uses for every part, including rind and root. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2025 Here are the things to look out for to pick the perfect melon every time: Color: The rind should be creamy beige or golden, with a netted structure. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rind

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German rinda bark, and probably to Old English rendan to rend

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rind was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rind. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

rind

noun
: the bark of a tree
also : a usually hard or tough outer layer (as the skin of a fruit)

More from Merriam-Webster on rind

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