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

The menu began with Santa Barbara spot prawn with hearts of palm, grapefruit and citrus coulis, followed by wild turbot with celery root, potato Saint-Florentin, spinach subric, artichoke and truffle sauce. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Key Takeaways Watermelon, guava, pink grapefruit, papaya, and red bell peppers are good sources of lycopene. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2026

Strawberry and Citrus Sunrise Salad As bright as a sunrise in both color and flavor, this simple fruit salad calls for just strawberries, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit, dressed in lime juice, honey, and fresh mint. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Also known as hedge apple, people loved its adaptability and tough-as-nails character, but the spines and grapefruit-sized fruit were not usually welcomed in home landscapes. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 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