pollen

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

pollan

2 of 2

noun (2)

pol·​lan
variants or less commonly pollen
ˈpälə̇n How to pronounce pollan (audio)
plural pollan
: a whitefish (Coregonus pollan) of Irish lakes

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.
Noun
Although mugwort and goldenrod are often blamed for autumnal allergies, most seasonal symptoms are actually caused by ragweed – a common lookalike plant that can produce billions of grains of pollen in a single season. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026 Between pollen, dirt, cobwebs, and whatever the weather decides to throw at it, garage doors take a beating year-round without most homeowners giving them a second thought. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 Opening a window may bring in pollen, dust, smoke, insects, outdoor noise or unwanted heat and cold. — New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2026 If anyone in your household deals with fall allergies, make sure allergy medications and supplies are adequately stocked before fall pollens and mold spores get stirred up. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pollen

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pollen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pollen. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pollen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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