pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpä-mə-ˌgra-nət 

ˈpäm-ˌgra-nət,

ˈpəm- 

1

: a several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor

2

: a widely cultivated tropical Asian tree (Punica granatum of the family Lythraceae) bearing pomegranates

Illustration of pomegranate

Examples of pomegranate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dishes like a roast chicken presented over a spiced bulgar pilaf with raisins and chestnuts, or eggplants broiled tender with pomegranate and yogurt sauce demonstrate Roden’s expert mixing of traditional and modern. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 30 Jan. 2025

Alpine Glow Margarita Courtesy of Pradhan In a cocktail shaker filled partially with ice, add 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, and 1 ounce pomegranate juice. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2024

Ingredients that add sweetness include simple syrup and some fruit juices, like pineapple and pomegranate. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 27 Jan. 2025

The drink mixes rum, pomegranate, smoked pineapple juice and fig honey. —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet, from Anglo-French pome garnette, literally, seedy fruit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət  ˈpəm-ˌgran- 

: a reddish fruit about the size of an orange that has a thick leathery skin and many seeds in a pulp of tart flavor

also : a tropical Asian tree that produces pomegranates

Etymology

Middle English poumgrenet "pomegranate," from early French pomme garnette "pomegranate," literally, "seedy fruit"; pomme from earlier pome "apple" and grenate derived from Latin granum "grain, seed" — related to garnet, grain, grenade see Word History at garnet

Medical Definition

pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət  ˈpəm-ˌgran- 

1

: a tart thick-skinned several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange

2

: a widely cultivated tropical Old World tree (Punica granatum of the family Punicaceae) bearing pomegranates and having bark and roots which were formerly used in dried form as a taeniacide