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

Strain off the ice into a rocks glass over fresh ice or up in a coupe (your choice), and garnish with a grapefruit peel. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026

Poppyseed grapefruit cake cooled and removed from its pan, then popped back in for travel—and popped back out for slicing at the event? — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026

Slavick says the beer contains a little orange puree and grapefruit puree in addition to the kumquats, to give the beer extra citrus punch. — Don Tse, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda team up in one sublime sipper that's easy enough to throw together for an impromptu happy hour. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 2 July 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