melon

noun

mel·​on ˈme-lən How to pronounce melon (audio)
plural melons
often attributive
1
: any of various typically sweet gourds (such as a muskmelon or watermelon) usually eaten raw as fruits
2
: something rounded like a melon: such as
a
: a rounded organ in the front of the head of some cetaceans and all toothed whales that is composed of lipids and waxy material and is thought to be utilized in echolocation
b
: a person's head
A great afternoon at the park usually meant coming home with blisters on our hands, a bump or two on the melon and the obligatory skinned knee.Robb Moretti
3
a
: a surplus of profits available for distribution to stockholders
b
: a financial windfall

Examples of melon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His version was served with a melon sorbet with avocado yogurt, candied seaweed and a condensed milk stamp. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 19 June 2024 Watermelon and honeydew bring mild melon goodness to the table, and vibrant berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries bring beautiful pops of color. Kara Peeler, Sunset Magazine, 5 June 2024 Kenny’s Vietnamese rice paper pizza with egg, melon, basil, and Limburger cheese). Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2024 Listeria is linked to soft cheeses, raw bean sprouts, and melons. Stephanie Booth, Health, 2 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for melon 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'melon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin melon-, melo, short for Latin melopepon-, melopepo, from Greek mēlopepōn, from mēlon apple + pepōn, an edible gourd — more at pumpkin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of melon was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near melon

Cite this Entry

“Melon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melon. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

melon

noun
mel·​on ˈmel-ən How to pronounce melon (audio)
: any of various fruits (as a cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or watermelon) of the gourd family that have juicy and usually sweet flesh eaten raw and a firm rind

More from Merriam-Webster on melon

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