sour orange

noun

: a citrus tree (Citrus aurantium) that is used especially as a stock in grafting citrus

also : its bitter fruit

called also bitter orange

Examples of sour orange in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our belle of the barbecue is a citrusy take on an American classic—beer-can chicken—with an ode to mojo criollo, a marinade traditionally made with bitter sour oranges, warm spices, and a heavy hand of garlic. — Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

The kaffir lime is a member of the Rutaceae family, which includes other citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, and sweet and sour oranges. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026

Traditional mojos often feature sour orange juice for their unique tang. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 23 June 2026

Creature Comforts Brewing, out of Athens, has developed the Sapelo Aperitivo using the sour orange that only grows on Sapelo Island. — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above