grapefruit

noun

grape·​fruit ˈgrāp-ˌfrüt 

1

plural grapefruit or grapefruits : a large round citrus fruit with a bitter yellow rind and a juicy somewhat tart pale yellow, pink, or reddish pulp

2

: a small citrus tree (Citrus paradisi) that produces grapefruit

Examples of grapefruit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mexican fruit flies are one of the world’s most destructive pests when laying their eggs, destroying or damaging fruit such as apples, grapefruits, avocados, peaches and pears, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. — Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

On one side are the demonstrably sauvignon blanc-y sauvignon blancs, practically slapping you in the face with grapefruit, guava, and grass. — Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Made with a mix of hazy, golden Bavarian-style hefeweizen and tangy, sweet-and-sour grapefruit soda, this beer features aromas of citrus zest and banana bread, and is a great option to sip poolside or during a camping trip. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 June 2026

This includes all other citrus varieties, too, like lemons, grapefruit, and limes. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grapefruit

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute

Kids Definition

grapefruit

noun

grape·​fruit ˈgrāp-ˌfrüt 

1

plural grapefruit or grapefruits : a large citrus fruit with a bitter yellow rind and a highly flavored somewhat acid juicy pulp

2

: a tree that bears grapefruit