pellet

1 of 2

noun

pel·​let ˈpe-lət How to pronounce pellet (audio)
Synonyms of pelletnext
1
a
: a usually small rounded, spherical, or cylindrical body (as of food or medicine)
b
: a wad of indigestible material (as of bones and fur) regurgitated by a bird of prey
2
: any of various projectiles fired from a weapon (such as an air rifle)
pelletal
ˈpe-lə-tᵊl How to pronounce pellet (audio)
adjective

pellet

2 of 2

verb

pelleted; pelleting; pellets

transitive verb

1
: pelletize
2
: to strike with pellets

Synonyms of pellet

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Noun

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Examples of pellet in a Sentence

Noun the tightly packed pellets of a shotgun cartridge
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
And what are these pellets on the ground? — Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 2026 The pellets can be rehydrated before adding them to potting soil or added dry. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
Verb
The cold air is the same, and the snow pellets my cap, sifts under my collar. — Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025 Fill them with the tiny wood smoker pellets that look like rabbit feed to add a lengthy, thick smoke boost whenever it is needed. — Chuck Blount, ExpressNews.com, 5 Aug. 2019 See All Example Sentences for pellet

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English pelote, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *pilota, diminutive of Latin pila ball

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pellet was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing pellet

Rhymes for pellet

See All Rhymes for pellet

Browse Nearby Words

pellagrous
pellet
pellet bell
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pellet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pellet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pellet

noun
pel·​let
ˈpel-ət
1
a
: a little ball (as of food or medicine)
b
: a wad of material (as of bones and fur) that could not be digested and was regurgitated by a bird of prey (as an owl)
2
a
: bullet sense 1
b
: a piece of small shot

Medical Definition

pellet

noun
pel·​let ˈpel-ət How to pronounce pellet (audio)
: a usually small rounded or spherical body
specifically : a small cylindrical or ovoid compressed mass (as of a hormone) that is implanted subcutaneously for slow absorption into bodily tissues

More from Merriam-Webster on pellet

Nglish: Translation of pellet for Spanish Speakers

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