meloni

Meloni is the plural form of melone in the Italian language, and refers to melons in general. In Italian markets and cookery, meloni denotes fruit of various cultivars of Cucumis melo. The term appears commonly in recipes, labeling, and fruit descriptions, and is used to distinguish multiple melons from a single fruit.

Meloni is also an Italian surname. It is borne by individuals of Italian descent and has appeared in public life in Italy and among the Italian diaspora. The best-known contemporary bearer is Giorgia Meloni (born 1977), an Italian politician who has served as the prime minister of Italy since October 2022.

In other contexts, Meloni may be encountered as a family name in biographical or news reporting. The usage as a surname is independent of the fruit name and reflects typical Italian naming practices.

Etymology: The word meloni is the standard Italian plural of melone, which derives from Latin melōnem, with the usual Italian adaptation of word formation.