apricot

noun

apri·​cot ˈa-prə-ˌkät How to pronounce apricot (audio) ˈā- How to pronounce apricot (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: the oval orange-colored fruit of a temperate-zone tree (Prunus armeniaca) resembling the related peach and plum in flavor
b
: a tree that bears apricots
2
: a variable color averaging a moderate orange

Examples of apricot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s followed by baklava, ripe apricot, crème brûlée, and Cognac on the palate, with a finish of rum raisin cake. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2025 This applies to raisins, prunes, apricots, figs, dates, and so on. Merve Ceylan, Health, 22 Sep. 2025 Garten usually goes for pears, figs, apricots, and prunes, along with citrus zest, vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon to ensure every piece of fruit is soaked in sweet and spicy goodness. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2025 These, along with an orchard featuring an array of fruit trees including apricots, nectarines, oranges, lemons, limes, plums, peaches, figs, guavas and jujubes, plus a dragon fruit tower, are all part of the garden’s common area. Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apricot

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier abrecock, ultimately from Arabic al-birqūq the apricot, ultimately from Latin (persicum) praecox, literally, early ripening (peach) — more at precocious

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of apricot was in 1580

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Cite this Entry

“Apricot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apricot. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

apricot

noun
: an oval orange-colored fruit resembling the related peach and plum in flavor
also : a tree that bears apricots

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