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

After the coconut ice cream and grapefruit sorbet were served, the evening’s surprise performer, Charli xcx, was spotted heading backstage to prepare for her set. — Kelsey Stewart, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

An even lighter interpretation, Perfumehead 1360, layers grapefruit, pepper, and vetiver on top of a base of gurjum, a quieter resin than frankincense or myrrh. — Loren Savini, Allure, 27 Oct. 2026

Find both in the Bride of Frankie, a spine-chilling take on a Paloma with mezcal, grapefruit, fresh lime juice and a Tajín rim at Amore e Amore’s Nightmare on Highland. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026

It is aged for 11 months on the lees with little to no stirring and has aromas of yellow plum, peach, and citrus flowers with balanced acidity that pave the way for flavors of citrus pith, grapefruit, and green apple. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 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