Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of large, round fruit with a hard rind and sweet, juicy, often fragrant flesh: A "melon" is the edible fruit produced by various plants in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). It typically has a thick outer skin and a central cavity containing seeds.
   • The plant that bears this fruit: "Melon" can also refer to the trailing vine on which this fruit grows.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (referring to the fruit):
  • We had slices of fresh melon for breakfast.
  • The market sells several types of melon, like cantaloupe and honeydew.
• Noun (referring to the plant):
  • The melon is growing well in the sunny part of the garden.

Advanced Usage

• "To cut a melon" (idiom, chiefly US slang): To distribute profits, especially a large or unexpected surplus.
  • After the successful sale of the company, the board decided to cut a melon with the employees.

Variants and Related Words

• Muskmelon (n): A common type of melon with netted skin and sweet orange flesh.
• Watermelon (n): A large melon with a green rind and sweet, watery, red or pink flesh.
  • Note: "Watermelon" is a specific compound term for a type of melon.
• Cantaloupe (n): A type of muskmelon with ribbed, tan skin and orange flesh.
• Honeydew (n): A type of melon with smooth, pale skin and sweet, green flesh.

Synonyms

• Gourd fruit: A more botanical term for fruits in the Cucurbitaceae family.
• Fruit: A general hypernym.

Related Idioms

• "To cut a melon": As defined in Advanced Usage.

Noun

1. any of various fruit of cucurbitaceous vines including: muskmelons; watermelons; cantaloupes; cucumbers
2. any of numerous fruits of the gourd family having a hard rind and sweet juicy flesh