watermelon

/ˈwɑɾərmɛlən/

/ˈwɔtəmɛlən/

Other forms: watermelons

A watermelon is a plant that grows vines and flowers that ripen into large, juicy fruit also called watermelon. Cold watermelon is delicious at a backyard barbecue.

Like squashes and gourds, watermelons grow from long, climbing vines. The deep pink or red flesh of a watermelon, however, is uniquely sweet, juicy, and refreshing. Watermelons are originally native to Africa, and they were brought to North America and cultivated around the 16th century. For many people, it's just not summer without watermelon — the fruit is over 90 percent water, so it's not just delicious, but it also quenches your thirst.

Definitions of watermelon

1. noun

   large oblong or roundish melon with a hard green rind and sweet watery red or occasionally yellowish pulp
   type of:

   melon

   any of numerous fruits of the gourd family having a hard rind and sweet juicy flesh
2. noun

   an African melon
   synonyms: Citrullus vulgaris, watermelon vine

   type of:

   melon, melon vine

   any of various fruit of cucurbitaceous vines including: muskmelons; watermelons; cantaloupes; cucumbers