watermelon

noun

wa·​ter·​mel·​on ˈwȯ-tər-ˌme-lən How to pronounce watermelon (audio)
ˈwä-
1
: a large oblong or roundish fruit with a hard green or white rind often striped or variegated, a sweet watery pink, yellowish, or red pulp, and usually many seeds
2
: a widely cultivated African vine (Citrullus lanatus synonym C. vulgaris) of the gourd family that bears watermelons

Examples of watermelon 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.
How to Eat Freeze watermelon chunks and use them in place of ice cubes. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 When melon season is in full swing, questions arise about the blood sugar effects of watermelon and honeydew. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 31 Aug. 2026 By their second season in the ground, the watermelons were perfect to share with the community. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 For decades, Robert Lee West could be found near 39th Street and Cleveland Avenue with the familiar sight of a truck loaded with watermelons and other fresh produce. — Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watermelon

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of watermelon was in 1598

Rhymes for watermelon

See All Rhymes for watermelon

Browse Nearby Words

water measurer
watermelon
watermelon begonia
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Cite this Entry

“Watermelon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watermelon. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

watermelon

noun
wa·​ter·​mel·​on ˈwȯt-ər-ˌmel-ən How to pronounce watermelon (audio)
ˈwät-
1
: a large oblong or rounded fruit with a hard outer shell, a sweet red juicy pulp, and usually many seeds
2
: a widely grown African vine of the gourd family that produces watermelons

More from Merriam-Webster on watermelon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about watermelon

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