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

Jones was found dead on July 5, 1980, in a grapefruit grove in Fontana, California, the Fontana Police Department and the San Bernardino County district attorney said in press releases. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 5 June 2026

This includes all other citrus varieties, too, like lemons, grapefruit, and limes. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 31 May 2026

The low-proof beverage is a distillation of Florida ingredients like papaya, hibiscus, grapefruit, orange blossom, and ginger, to name a few. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

Bergamot, cedrat, mandarin, and grapefruit are among the stars in these scents. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 27 May 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