Definition of WATERMELON

watermelon

Meanings

Plural: watermelons

Noun

  • an African melon
  • large oblong or roundish melon with a hard green rind and sweet watery red or occasionally yellowish pulp
  • A plant of the species Citrullus lanatus, bearing a melon-like fruit.
  • The fruit of the watermelon plant, having a green rind and watery flesh that is typically bright red when ripe and contains black seeds.
  • An environmentalist with socialist leanings, an ecosocialist.
  • A pinkish-red colour, like that of watermelon flesh (also called watermelon pink).
  • A project that is presented as on schedule when it actually has parts that are falling behind.

Origin / Etymology

From the 1610s, a compound of water + melon.
The meanings referring to environmentalists and behind-schedule projects derive from the idea of having a green (eco-friendly, on-schedule) outward appearance while being red (socialist, behind schedule) in a hidden way comparable to that of the fruit.

Synonyms

Citrullus vulgaris, watermelon vine

Scrabble Score: 15

watermelon is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
watermelon is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
watermelon is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 18

watermelon is a valid Words With Friends word