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

Cherry, apple, and plum trees generally do quite well in colder locations, while heat-seeking citrus and fig trees need to be grown in warmer spots or overwintered indoors in pots. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025

In Ventura County, California, northwest of Los Angeles, Lisa Tate manages her family business that grows citrus fruits, avocados and coffee on eight ranches and 800 acres (323 hectares). —Corey Williams, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025

To further support strength, the formula layers in a complex of 10 hydrolyzed plant proteins, 17 amino acids, and eight peptides, which work together to repair weak areas and boost elasticity while enveloping your hair in an uplifting citrus blend softened by lavender and geranium. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Sep. 2025

In Port Sulphur, an unincorporated community in Plaquemines Parish, rumor had it that one of its own, citrus and cattle farmer Patty Vogt, was missing and presumed dead. —Mandi Wright, Freep.com, 31 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