pumpkin

/ˈpʌmpkɪn/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A cultivated squash known for its edible flesh and seeds, the vine that bears it, a warm orange shade, and a sweet informal name for someone loved.

Examples

  • Canned pumpkin gives the soup a smooth texture.
  • The scarf was a warm pumpkin that matched the leaves.
  • Each pumpkin needs plenty of space to spread.
  • Pumpkin seeds were drying on the kitchen towel.
  • She laughed when her partner called her pumpkin in public.

Similar words

bright orange
sweetie
cucurbit
gourd plant
tangerine
burnt orange
gourd
deep orange
winter squash
love

Meanings

Edible squash fruit

noun
food
neutral
A usually round winter squash with firm rind, edible flesh, and seeds, used fresh or pureed in savory and sweet food.

Examples

  • She roasted pumpkin with olive oil and sage.
  • Canned pumpkin gives the soup a smooth texture.
  • Pumpkin seeds were drying on the kitchen towel.
  • The bakery sells pumpkin bread every autumn.
  • Cut the pumpkin into wedges before removing the skin.

Similar words

Plant that bears pumpkins

noun
botany
neutral
The trailing vine or plant that grows pumpkin fruits, with broad leaves, yellow flowers, and spreading stems.

Examples

  • A pumpkin climbed over the garden fence.
  • The pumpkin put out broad leaves after the rain.
  • Bees moved between the yellow flowers of the pumpkin.
  • Each pumpkin needs plenty of space to spread.
  • The children watered the pumpkin in the school garden.

Similar words

Strong orange color

noun
color
neutral
A vivid yellow-orange or deep orange shade like the rind of a ripe pumpkin.

Examples

  • The scarf was a warm pumpkin that matched the leaves.
  • She painted the front door pumpkin for October.
  • The logo uses pumpkin and cream instead of red.
  • A strip of pumpkin brightened the quilt.
  • His sweater looked more pumpkin than brown.

Similar words

Affectionate pet name

noun
affection
informal
A warm, informal way to address someone loved or cared for, especially a child or partner.

Examples

  • Come here, pumpkin, and tell me about your day.
  • Grandma called the baby pumpkin after his nap.
  • Sleep well, pumpkin, and I will see you tomorrow.
  • She laughed when her partner called her pumpkin in public.
  • Hey, pumpkin, your lunch is on the counter.

Similar words

Etymology

Altered in the seventeenth century from earlier pumpion, from French pompon and Latin pepo, ultimately from Greek pepōn, meaning a ripe melon or gourd.

FAQ

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...