pumpkin
nouncommon in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈpʌmpkɪn//
- United States//ˈpʌm(p).kɪn//
- United States/[ˈpʰʌm(p).kʰɪn]/
A domesticated plant, in species Cucurbita pepo, similar in growth pattern, foliage, flower, and fruit to the squash or melon.
noun
- 1
A domesticated plant, in species Cucurbita pepo, similar in growth pattern, foliage, flower, and fruit to the squash or melon.
Nevertheless, the comprehensive comparative analysis of pumpkin viromes across various geographic regions by NGS remains deficient.
- 2
The round yellow or orange fruit of this plant.
There were pumpkins in Mombi’s corn-fields, lying golden red among the rows of green stalks; and these had been planted and carefully tended that the four-horned cow might eat of them in the winter time.
- 3
The typical color of the ripe fruit of the pumpkin plant.
- 4
Any of a number of cultivars from the genus Cucurbita; known in the US as winter squash.
- 5
A term of endearment for someone small and cute.
You must be daddy’s little pumpkin.
- 6
informalThe housing for a differential, built into an axle of a vehicle; the housing and its contents.
Etymology
Alteration of pompion, pumpion (“pumpkin”) with the diminutive -kin, from Middle French pompon, from Latin pepō (whence English pepo), from Ancient Greek πέπων (pépōn, “large melon”), from πέπων (pépōn, “ripe”), from πέπτω (péptō, “ripen”). The first attestation is from 1647. The alternative theory that it may be from Massachusett pôhpukun (“grows forth round”) is false. The automotive sense is by fancied resemblance.
Forms
- plural
- pumpkins
pumpkin · A domesticated plant, in species Cucurbita pepo, similar in growth pattern, foliage, flower, and fruit to the squash or melon.
pun · To make or tell a pun; to make a play on words.Pun · A surname.punch · A hit or strike with one's fist.