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

The latter is inspired by the Fountain of Youth, a mystical staple of the films, and comes together with Pot & Column Still White Rum with citrus and spice in a mesmerizing shade of blue. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The fan-favorite smells like fall captured in a jar, with accents of vibrant citrus and orange that are complemented with pumpkin, cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a sprinkle of vanilla. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2025

Go back in time and connect with nature at Neapolis Archeological Park, which has an ancient Greek theater, Roman amphitheater, and centuries-old citrus trees. —Michele Becker, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2025

But there are also many other flavors present, like vanilla, lemon citrus, black pepper, saline solution, caramel, and layers of fruit—mostly dark, ripened stone fruits like plum and apricot. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 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