pear

noun

ˈper How to pronounce pear (audio)
1
: a pome fruit of a tree (genus Pyrus, especially P. communis) of the rose family that typically has a pale green or brownish skin, a firm juicy flesh, and an oblong shape in which a broad base end tapers upward to a narrow stem end
2
: a tree bearing pears

Examples of pear 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.
Artist makes tiny food, including cheeseboards, pears and more New Zealand artist Marama Davis creates realistic miniature food out of various shades of polymer clay. — Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025 The wine features ripe pear, tropical fruit, and a hint of herbaceousness with a balanced finish. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 In recent years, The Row has excelled at feeding their guests who not only have an appetite for fashion, but also for snacks (past nibbles have included chocolate, pea shoots, pears and a variety of beverages). — Michelle Lee, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Recommended for pear and persimmon trees, as well as dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pear

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pere, from Old English peru, from Vulgar Latin *pira, from Latin, plural of pirum

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pear was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing pear

Rhymes for pear

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pear
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Cite this Entry

“Pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pear. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

pear

noun
ˈpa(ə)r How to pronounce pear (audio)
ˈpe(ə)r
: a fruit that is commonly larger at the end opposite the stem and typically has a pale green or brownish skin and juicy flesh
also : a tree that bears pears and is related to the apple

More from Merriam-Webster on pear

Nglish: Translation of pear for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pear

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