cantaloupe

noun

can·​ta·​loupe ˈkan-tə-ˌlōp How to pronounce cantaloupe (audio)
also -ˌlüp
variants or less commonly cantaloup
1
: a small widely cultivated muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) with a heavily netted rind and usually orange flesh
broadly : muskmelon sense a
2
: a muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) with a rough hard warty rind that is not usually grown in North America

Examples of cantaloupe 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.
Explore combinations such as feta, spinach, and walnuts; feta with sweet potatoes and olives; feta avocado and arugula; or feta, cantaloupe, melon, and toasted almonds. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026 Other large outbreaks this year include a few different salmonella outbreaks associated with jalapeño peppers, moringa leaf powder, eggs and cantaloupe. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Produce varies by the season and includes tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, kale, peas, berries, turnips, rutabagas, apples, pears, cantaloupe, watermelon, herbs and other homegrown offerings. — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 Melons, including cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew, are popular summertime produce often found in fruit salads. — Anthea Levi, Health, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cantaloupe

Word History

Etymology

Cantalupo, former papal villa near Rome, Italy

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cantaloupe was in 1739

Rhymes for cantaloupe

See All Rhymes for cantaloupe

Browse Nearby Words

cantala
cantaloupe
cantando
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cantaloupe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantaloupe. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cantaloupe

noun
can·​ta·​loupe
variants also cantaloup
ˈkant-ᵊl-ˌōp How to pronounce cantaloupe (audio)
: a muskmelon with a hard rough skin and reddish orange flesh

More from Merriam-Webster on cantaloupe

Nglish: Translation of cantaloupe for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cantaloupe

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