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.
The official tasting notes detail aromas of pear, apple, and sourdough on the nose, followed by agave nectar, cacao nibs, and toasted walnut on the palate. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026 Pick high-fiber fruits One strategy Feller recommends is to incorporate fiber-rich fruits, such as dates, pears and raspberries, into your snack and meal schedule. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 Her Calla Lily sconces show her mirthful approach, also embodied in her towering egg and pear lamps. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026 Eating pears regularly can boost your gut and heart health due to their high fiber and antioxidant content. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2026 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

See All Rhymes for pear

Browse Nearby Words

peapod
pear
pear bark beetle
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Cite this Entry

“Pear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pear. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pear

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