pomelo

noun

pom·​e·​lo ˈpä-mə-ˌlō How to pronounce pomelo (audio)
plural pomelos
1
: grapefruit
2
or pummelo
ˈpə-mə-ˌlō How to pronounce pomelo (audio)
a
: a very large thick-rinded usually pear-shaped citrus fruit differing from the closely related grapefruit especially in its loose rind and often coarse dry pulp
b
: a large widely cultivated tropical tree (Citrus maxima synonym C. grandis) of southeast Asia that bears pomelos

Examples of pomelo 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.
Paper menus allow diners to tick off orders of lip-tingling laab, luscious khao soi, and juicy pomelo salad, feeling like a never-ending invitation to add just one more course. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 Baydon's tattoo needle is a spiky thorn of a pomelo tree attached to a thin bamboo reed. — Marisol Delarosa, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026 At first spritz, you’re instantly enchanted and uplifted by sparkling, tart notes of pomelo and yuzu. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026 Early sips are big on citrus (specifically pomelo and lemon) and herbal tea, alongside lighter elements of cedar and birch barks. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pomelo

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of earlier pompelmous, from Dutch pompelmoes

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pomelo was in 1817

Rhymes for pomelo

See All Rhymes for pomelo

Browse Nearby Words

pomeis
pomelo
Pomerania
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on pomelo

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pomelo

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