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

In addition to vitamin C, grapefruits and grapefruit juice contain other antioxidants that can support your immune health. —Zia Sherrell, Health, 16 Mar. 2026

With stiff blonde rum cut by fresh grapefruit and lime, the Paba Doble may be the best daiquiri in the South. —Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

Several damaging tornadoes and grapefruit-size hail struck Illinois and Indiana late Tuesday. —Ben Noll, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2026

There are also reports of golf ball-sized hail in Bolingbrook and grapefruit-sized hail in Kankakee. —Albert Ramon, CBS News, 10 Mar. 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