pear

noun

ˈper 

1

: a pome fruit of a tree (genus Pyrus, especially P. communis) of the rose family that typically has a pale green or brownish skin, a firm juicy flesh, and an oblong shape in which a broad base end tapers upward to a narrow stem end

2

: a tree bearing pears

Examples of pear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pickled mustard seeds provide little pears of flavor and an edge of acid that cuts through the unctuous dish. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2024

This powerful combination of mandarin, pear and peony notes will reawaken your senses. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024

Poire du Nouvel An At 48 Record Bar in Philadelphia, the Poire du Nouvel An (meaning New Year pear), is made with Plymouth Gin, Stateside Vodka, Rothman & Winter Orchard Pear Liqueur, and cinnamon. —Aly Walansky, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

The evening kicked off with cocktails by the fire and a fondue station before the crowd took their seats at a table that had been lushly scaped with pomegranates, grapes, pears, and berries to create a festive atmosphere. —Rachel Marlowe, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pere, from Old English peru, from Vulgar Latin *pira, from Latin, plural of pirum

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing pear

• alligator pear
• Anjou pear
• Asian pear
• avocado pear
• Bradford callery pear
• Bradford pear
• callery pear
• d'Anjou pear
• go pear-shaped
• pear psylla
• pear-shaped
• prickly pear
• prickly pear cactus
• prickly pear fruit
• vegetable pear

Kids Definition

pear

noun

ˈpa(ə)r 

ˈpe(ə)r

: a fruit that is commonly larger at the end opposite the stem and typically has a pale green or brownish skin and juicy flesh

also : a tree that bears pears and is related to the apple