citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

plural citrus or citruses

often attributive

: any of a group of often thorny trees and shrubs (Citrus and related genera) of the rue family grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (such as the orange or lemon) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh

also : the fruit

citrusy

ˈsi-trə-sē 

adjective

Examples of citrus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Magnolia Citrus Grove Candle Gaines and her team dreamed up this candle that smells like a walk through a citrus grove with notes of tahini lime, bergamot, and clementine for a fresh, clean scent. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 7 June 2025

Outside, seafood sizzles on the grill, making the air thick with the scent of garlic and citrus. —Sandals Resorts, AFAR Media, 2 June 2025

Enriched with a brightening serum and vitamin C, the tropical citrus body wash is part of how Tookes’ maintains her skin’s luminosity. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 2 June 2025

Think notes of florals, Italian citrus fruit, and a soothing blend of musky notes that aren't overpowering, just delightful. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 28 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing citrus

• Asian citrus psyllid
• citrus canker
• citrus greening
• citrus greening disease
• citrus red mite

Rhymes for citrus

• nitrous

Kids Definition

citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

plural citrus or citruses

: any of a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs (as the orange, grapefruit, or lemon) grown in warm regions for their fruits

also : the fruit of a citrus

citrus adjective

Medical Definition

citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

often attributive

1

capitalized : a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs of the rue family (Rutaceae) grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (as the orange, lemon, lime, or mandarin) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh

2

plural citruses or citrus : any plant or fruit of the genus Citrus or a related genus