NYT Dictionary

POLLEN

/ˈpɑlən/
NounVerbPOL-lenpol-len · 2 syllablesGrade 3

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

A fine, granular substance produced in flowers.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Learned borrowing from Latin pollen (“fine flour”), used by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century to describe the spores produced in the anthers of flowers.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

fecundatefertilizefructifyimpregnateinseminateandrocyteantheridiumantherozoidmiltprotein

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 6 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.