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
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.
The freshest blooms will have no visible pollen, and the center should be dark and tight. — Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026 Any pollinator who wants to come along can come and get a taste of the pollen and maybe get a little bit of nectar depending on the magnolia species. — Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 30 July 2026 Even trace amounts of pollen or vase water from lilies can cause that rapid, irreversible kidney failure. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 28 July 2026 Earlier measures to combat desertification across its arid northern regions included sand-fixing methods like straw, plastic barriers, and pollen-heavy shrubs. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pollen

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

Phrases Containing pollen

Rhymes for pollen

See All Rhymes for pollen

Browse Nearby Words

pollee
pollen
pollen analysis
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Cite this Entry

“Pollen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollen. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of pollen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pollen

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