chinese watermelon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “chinese watermelon” mean?
A colloquial name for the winter melon (Benincasa hispida), a large, gourd-like fruit with white flesh and green skin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colloquial name for the winter melon (Benincasa hispida), a large, gourd-like fruit with white flesh and green skin.
Can sometimes be used informally to refer to other melons or squash of East Asian origin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally uncommon in both varieties; the term 'winter melon' is the standard culinary term in both regions.
Connotations
Slightly exotic or descriptive, implying a specific type of produce.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse; mostly found in niche culinary contexts or informal produce descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “chinese watermelon” in a Sentence
Noun phrase: the Chinese watermelonVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in specialty produce import/export.
Academic
Rare; botanical texts would use the Latin name or 'winter melon'.
Everyday
Informal use at markets or in cooking discussions.
Technical
Not a standard term; 'winter melon' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chinese watermelon”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chinese watermelon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chinese watermelon”
- Confusing it with a true watermelon; using it as a formal name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a different species entirely. It refers to the winter melon, which has white flesh and is often used in cooked dishes.
It is typically cooked, as its flesh is quite firm and mild when raw, making it better suited for soups and stews.
The name is a descriptive colloquialism based on its large, oval shape and belonging to the cucurbit family, similar to watermelons.
Look for it in Asian supermarkets, often labeled as 'winter melon' or 'wax gourd'.
A colloquial name for the winter melon (Benincasa hispida), a large, gourd-like fruit with white flesh and green skin.
Chinese watermelon is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Chinese watermelon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪˈniːz ˈwɔːtəmelən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪˈniːz ˈwɔːtɚmelən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: It's from China and looks like a giant, pale watermelon, but it's for winter soups.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD AS CULTURAL ARTIFACT (an edible item representing a specific culinary tradition).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Chinese watermelon' most accurately?