apricot

noun

apri·​cot ˈa-prə-ˌkät How to pronounce apricot (audio) ˈā- How to pronounce apricot (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: the oval orange-colored fruit of a temperate-zone tree (Prunus armeniaca) resembling the related peach and plum in flavor
b
: a tree that bears apricots
2
: a variable color averaging a moderate orange

Examples of apricot in a Sentence

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.
Co-authored by Tamara Jo Hicks and Jessica Lynn MacLeod, the cookbook serves up over 60 seasonal farm-to-table recipes, including this summer fruit salad featuring nectarines, apricots, prosciutto, croutons, cheese and fresh herbs and flowers. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 July 2025 Meet toasted coconut brunette, an equally summery color that doesn’t involve red dye or references to apricots, peaches, or any other stone fruit. Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 9 May 2025 The peaches can be swapped for any summer stone fruit; try nectarines, plums or apricots. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025 Summer means swimming, afternoon naps, and apricots—at least as far as I’m concerned. Ana Morales, Vogue, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for apricot

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier abrecock, ultimately from Arabic al-birqūq the apricot, ultimately from Latin (persicum) praecox, literally, early ripening (peach) — more at precocious

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of apricot was in 1580

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apricot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apricot. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

apricot

noun
: an oval orange-colored fruit resembling the related peach and plum in flavor
also : a tree that bears apricots

More from Merriam-Webster on apricot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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