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Pumpkin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pumpkin

[ˈpʌmpkɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

vegetable

A large round orange-yellow fruit with a thick rind, edible flesh, and many seeds.

Synonyms

gourd, squash, vegetable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pumpkin

Commonly used to refer to the large, round, orange fruit associated with Halloween decorations and fall recipes.

  • We carved a pumpkin for Halloween.
  • Pumpkin pie is a traditional Thanksgiving dessert.
squash

Refers to a type of vegetable that comes in various shapes and colors. Can be summer or winter squash, used in cooking.

  • I grilled some squash for dinner.
  • Butternut squash soup is delicious during the winter.
gourd

Typically refers to the hard-shelled, decorative fruit that comes in various shapes and sizes. Often used for crafts or as ornaments.

  • She made a beautiful birdhouse from an old gourd.
  • The table was decorated with colorful gourds.
vegetable

A general term for any edible plant part, such as roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, commonly used in a wide variety of dishes.

  • She added fresh vegetables to the salad.
  • Eating a variety of vegetables is important for a balanced diet.

Examples of usage

  • I carved a spooky face into the pumpkin for Halloween.
  • Pumpkin pie is a popular dessert in the fall.
  • The farmers harvested the pumpkins from the field.
Context #2 | Noun

endearment

A term of endearment used for someone small and cute.

Synonyms

cutie, darling, sweetheart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pumpkin

Often used affectionately when addressing someone you care about, typically a child, in a gentle and warm manner.

  • Come here, pumpkin, it's time for bed.
  • Did you have fun at school today, pumpkin?
sweetheart

Used to show affection and kindness, commonly used between partners or when speaking to someone dear, like a child or a friend.

  • Good morning, sweetheart! Did you sleep well?
  • Thank you for the gift, sweetheart, it means a lot.
darling

A term of endearment usually used between partners or very close friends to express deep affection and care.

  • Darling, would you like some tea?
  • Don't worry, darling, everything will be alright.
cutie

Used to describe someone who is cute or attractive, often used casually among friends or with children.

  • Hey cutie, how was your day?
  • Look at that baby, isn't she a cutie?

Examples of usage

  • Come here, my little pumpkin!
  • She affectionately called her daughter 'pumpkin'.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Pumpkin is a key ingredient in traditional Thanksgiving pies in the United States.
  • It's rich in vitamins and is often used in soups, breads, and snacks.
  • Many cultures celebrate with roasted pumpkin seeds, known as 'pepitas', which are nutritious and tasty.

Cultural Significance

  • In the United States, pumpkins are a central part of Halloween, where children carve jack-o'-lanterns.
  • The pumpkin is a symbol of harvest festivals and is celebrated in various cultures around the world.
  • In Mexican tradition, pumpkins are used for 'Día de los Muertos' (Day of the Dead) celebrations.

Botanical Facts

  • Pumpkins belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers and squash.
  • They are technically fruits because they contain seeds, but they are often treated like vegetables in cooking.
  • The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed over 2,600 pounds and was grown in Belgium in 2016.

Folklore and Myths

  • Pumpkins are featured in folklore like Cinderella, where a pumpkin turns into a carriage.
  • Native American tribes used pumpkins as a staple food source long before European settlers arrived.
  • In some cultures, pumpkins are believed to ward off evil spirits, especially during harvest time.

Origin of 'pumpkin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pumpkin' comes from the French word 'pompon', which means 'large melon'.
  • Originally, the word was 'pepon' in Greek, translating to 'a large melon'.
  • The term evolved through several languages before settling on 'pumpkin' in English by the 17th century.

The word 'pumpkin' originated from the Greek word 'pepon', meaning 'large melon'. The French adapted this as 'pompon', which the English later changed to 'pumpion' and eventually 'pumpkin'. Pumpkins are native to North America and have been cultivated for thousands of years by indigenous peoples for their nutritious seeds and flesh. Today, pumpkins are associated with autumn, Halloween, and Thanksgiving traditions.

See also: pump, pumps.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,699, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.