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noun Uncommon

pod

POD

Pod (noun) means a seed case of a plant, especially a legume, that splits open when ripe. Example: “She shelled the peas straight from their pods.”

noun
1
A seed case of a plant, especially a legume, that splits open when ripe.
"She shelled the peas straight from their pods."
2
A group of whales, dolphins, or similar sea mammals.
"A pod of dolphins followed the boat for miles."
3
A small, separate compartment or unit, especially one attached to a larger structure.
"The astronauts detached the escape pod before re-entry."
verb
1
To produce or grow seed pods.
"The bean plants had begun to pod nicely by midsummer."

How to use pod

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA seed case on a plant, a group of sea mammals, or a small self-contained unit or compartment.

Common pairings
pea pod pod of whales escape pod

Word forms

podded past tense, pods singular

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Test yourself on “pod” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She shelled the peas straight from their _____.

Etymology

Origin uncertain; possibly linked to an Old English word for an outer covering or garment.

Origin: Old English

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “pod” mean?

The word “pod” means a seed case of a plant, especially a legume, that splits open when ripe. In plain terms, a seed case on a plant, a group of sea mammals, or a small self-contained unit or compartment.

How do you pronounce “pod”?

“Pod” is pronounced POD (/ˈpɑd/ in IPA).

How do you use “pod” in a sentence?

Here is “pod” used in a sentence: “She shelled the peas straight from their pods.”

What part of speech is “pod”?

Depending on how it is used, “pod” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “pod” come from?

The word “pod” comes from Old English. Origin uncertain; possibly linked to an Old English word for an outer covering or garment.

Is “pod” a common word?

“Pod” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “pod” have?

“Pod” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a seed case of a plant, especially a legume, that splits open when ripe.

What is the difference between a pod and a shell?

A pod is the seed case of a plant such as a legume that splits open when ripe, typically referring to soft cases like pea or bean pods. A shell usually refers to a harder outer covering, such as a nutshell, so the two terms are not fully interchangeable.

What is a pod of whales called that?

A group of whales, dolphins, or similar sea mammals is called a pod because they travel and socialize together as a unit, similar to how a herd or flock describes other animal groups.

What does pod mean in technology or design contexts?

In technology and design, a pod often refers to a small, separate compartment or unit attached to a larger structure, such as an escape pod, a seating pod, or a shipping container pod. This usage extends the idea of a self-contained enclosed space.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial