pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpä-lən How to pronounce pollen (audio)
1
: a mass of microspores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust
2
: a dusty bloom on the body of an insect

Examples of pollen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In some people, inhaling pollen causes their immune systems to overreact. The Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2024 Sometimes, people become averse to fruit and vegetable pollen, which is associated with oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Alexis Berger, SELF, 22 Mar. 2024 Juniper, Ash, and Mulberry tree pollen allergens are common in Texas but experts say the symptoms are worse for those triggered by it in the spring. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2024 Plants have more time to bloom and sprout leaves, releasing allergy-inducing pollen when there are longer periods of freeze-free days. Daniel Peck, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2024 Even the pollen that might get on your cat’s fur and be licked off when the animal cleans itself is toxic. Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2024 Ragweed is the most abundant pollen the Mayo Clinic is tracking right now. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024 This is also true for those who have seasonal allergies—showering before bed can ensure that people have gotten rid of any lingering pollen that might otherwise trigger nighttime allergy symptoms. Korin Miller, Health, 16 Mar. 2024 Clear Things Up With the spring comes the spawn, along with the pollen. Shaye Baker, Field & Stream, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pollen.' 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

New Latin pollin-, pollen, from Latin, fine flour

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pollen was in 1723

Dictionary Entries Near pollen

Cite this Entry

“Pollen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollen. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pollen

noun
pol·​len ˈpäl-ən How to pronounce pollen (audio)
: a mass of tiny particles in the anthers of a flower that fertilize the seeds and usually appear as fine yellow dust

Medical Definition

pollen

noun
pol·​len ˈpäl-ən How to pronounce pollen (audio)
: a mass of male spores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust

More from Merriam-Webster on pollen

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