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noun

medlar

MED-luh
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Medlar (noun) means a small tree, Mespilus germanica, related to the hawthorn family. Example: “We planted a medlar at the bottom of the garden.”

noun
1
A small tree, Mespilus germanica, related to the hawthorn family.
"We planted a medlar at the bottom of the garden."
"The old orchard still has a medlar growing among the apple trees."
"A medlar can live for many decades if left undisturbed."
2
The small, apple-like fruit of this tree, which is only eaten once it has started to soften and decay.
"Medlars are left on a shelf for weeks before they are ripe enough to eat."
"She spread the soft medlar pulp onto toast."
"The medlars fell from the tree long before they were ready to eat."

How to use medlar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA medlar is an old-fashioned fruit tree, and its fruit, which needs to go soft before you eat it.

When to use it

Medlar is a fairly specialist word, mostly used by gardeners and cooks.

Memory tip

Medlar and meddler sound identical in many accents, so rely on context to tell them apart.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
meddler →
Common pairings
a medlar tree ripe medlars medlar jelly
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We planted a _____ at the bottom of the garden.

Etymology

Medlar comes from Middle English medler, borrowed from Old French words for the medlar fruit. Those French forms trace back to Latin mespilum, which itself came from an Ancient Greek word for the same fruit.

Origin: Old French

Frequently asked questions

What is a medlar?
A medlar is a small tree related to the hawthorn, and also the name of its fruit.
When can you eat a medlar fruit?
Medlar fruit is not eaten straight from the tree; it needs to be left to soften and begin to decay, a process called bletting, before it is edible.
Is a medlar the same as a loquat?
No, though loquat is sometimes called the Japanese medlar because its fruit looks similar, it is a different tree from the true medlar.
What is the meaning of medlar?
"medlar" (noun) means a small tree, Mespilus germanica, related to the hawthorn family.