pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpä-lən 

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

Examples of pollen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An open window, your shoes, or even your clothing could bring in pollen or other outdoor irritants. —Angie Hicks, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Tree pollen is most common in the spring. —Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

Vanilla continues onto the palate but morphs into yellow custard, complemented by flavors like fennel pollen, a hint of banana, a healthy dose of spice, and a bit of leather and oak. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026

With May’s grass pollen about to overlap with peak tree pollen across much of the country, families who adjust their household routines and medication timing now will be in a much better position than those who wait. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pollen

• pollen basket
• pollen count
• pollen grain
• pollen mother cell
• pollen sac
• pollen tube

Rhymes for pollen

• cauline
• fallen
• paulin
• befallen
• crestfallen
• tarpaulin

Kids Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: 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 

: a mass of male spores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust