kumquat

noun

kum·​quat ˈkəm-ˌkwät 

: any of several small yellow to orange citrus fruits with sweet spongy rind and somewhat acid pulp that are used chiefly for preserves

also : a tree or shrub (genus Citrus) of the rue family that bears kumquats

Examples of kumquat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Top them with honeyed kumquat or other fresh fruit. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 29 Apr. 2026

The basketball is a kumquat in Towns’ hands. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 15 May 2026

Large wooden telephone poles hold up the screen roof over orange, kumquat and tangerine trees. — Tom Hudson, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2026

The cold-hardy, compact Fukushu kumquat (Citrus obovata) is a perfect choice for patio living. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 3 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Guangdong) gām-gwāt, from gām gold + gwāt citrus fruit

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kumquat

noun

kum·​quat ˈkəm-ˌkwät 

1

: a small yellowish orange fruit related to the citruses with sweet spongy skin and somewhat tart pulp used especially for preserves

2

: a tree or shrub that bears kumquats