watermelon
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɔːtəmˌɛlən/
US
- /ˈwɔtərˌmɛlən/
Description
- Large sweet fruit
- Juicy melon
- Summer fruit
This large fruit is famous for its green rind, sweet juicy flesh, and high water content. Inside, it is usually red or pink, though some kinds are yellow or orange. People often eat it cold in slices, especially on hot summer days.
It first came from Africa and has been grown for thousands of years. The flesh is the main part people eat, but the seeds can also be roasted, and the rind can be pickled. It is a common fruit at picnics, barbecues, and other warm-weather gatherings.
The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a large fruit from a plant that originally came from Africa. It has a thick green rind and sweet, watery flesh inside. Most are red or pink inside, often with black or brown seeds, but some kinds are yellow, orange, or nearly white. Seedless kinds are also common.
This fruit is known for having very high water content, which is why it feels so refreshing in hot weather. People usually eat the flesh raw and cold, cut into slices or cubes. The seeds can be roasted and eaten in some places, and the rind can be pickled. It may also be used in juice, smoothies, fruit salads, or other simple dishes.
People often connect this fruit with summer because it is popular at picnics, barbecues, fairs, and family meals. It is grown and eaten in many parts of the world and is valued both for its sweet taste and for how cooling it feels on a warm day.
Examples
- 1
Barbecue
We bought a watermelon for the barbecue.
- 2
Seasonality
Watermelons are usually sweetest in late summer.
- 3
Snack offer
There's some watermelon left in the fridge if you're hungry.
- 4
Lunch
She ate a slice of watermelon after lunch.
- 5
Playful contest
The kids had a contest to see who could spit watermelon seeds the farthest.
- 6
Candy flavor
This candy has a strong watermelon flavor.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- watermelonnoun
Forms
- watermelonspluralnoun