pomegranate

noun

pome·​gran·​ate ˈpä-mə-ˌgra-nət How to pronounce pomegranate (audio)
ˈpäm-ˌgra-nət, 
ˈpəm- How to pronounce pomegranate (audio)
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

Illustration of pomegranate

Examples of pomegranate 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 tenth-century Persian physician Rhazes suggested small, protein-rich meals of chicken or goat to encourage good humors, and quinces and pomegranates to restore appetite. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026 Light or zero-alcohol drinks include mimosas in flavors like pomegranate and lychee, and mocktails that blend fresh fruit with herbs and soda. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 The drink contains blue raspberry, coconut and lime with a pomegranate float. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Cranberry, pomegranate, cherry—really any fruit juice of your choice will work using the same ratio. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pomegranate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pomegranate was in the 14th century

Rhymes for pomegranate

See All Rhymes for pomegranate

Browse Nearby Words

pome fruit
pomegranate
pomegranate melon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pomegranate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pomegranate. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pomegranate

noun
pome·​gran·​ate ˈpäm-(ə-)ˌgran-ət How to pronounce pomegranate (audio) ˈpəm-ˌgran- How to pronounce pomegranate (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce pomegranate (audio) ˈpəm-ˌgran- How to pronounce pomegranate (audio)
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 Lythraceae) bearing pomegranates and having bark and roots which were formerly used in dried form as a taeniacide

More from Merriam-Webster on pomegranate

Nglish: Translation of pomegranate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pomegranate

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