bergamot

noun

ber·​ga·​mot ˈbər-gə-ˌmät 

plural bergamots

1

a

: a round to pear-shaped citrus fruit of a Mediterranean tree (Citrus bergamia synonym C. aurantium bergamia) that has a yellow to green rind which yields a bitter, fragrant essential oil and that is typically considered to be a hybrid of a sour orange and a lemon

b(1)

: a tree that bears bergamots

(2)

: the essential oil derived from a bergamot

2

: any of several mints (genus Monarda) see also wild bergamot

Examples of bergamot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Infused with the dreamy, Best of Beauty-winning Xtra Milk scent—a soft skin-like blend of white musk, bergamot, and amber—this hand cream smells like being enveloped in a warm hug. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025

The seasonal cocktail menu includes such blends as the Sleigh Ride (vodka, bergamot, cranberry, lime, soda water, $18), Espresso-Ho Ho Martini (reposado tequila, coffee liqueur, simple syrup, espresso, $17) and Oy to the World (mezcal, tequila, lime, hot honey and apricot, $18). —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 11 Dec. 2025

The blooms have a strong lemon verbena, bergamot and honeysuckle fragrance. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025

Christmas Road Trip 3-Wick Candle New this year, the Christmas Road Trip scent includes fragrance notes of warm amber mixed with bergamot. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French bergamote, from Italian bergamotta, modification of Turkish bey armudu, literally, the bey's pear

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing bergamot

• wild bergamot