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

Although nearly all citrus types ripen from winter to early spring, Valencia oranges and grapefruits ripen in the summer. 2. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 1 Aug. 2024

The combinations are spectacular: think abalone-like locos with peas and a touch of grapefruit foam paired with a green tea from Sichuan, China. —Nicholas Gill, TIME, 25 July 2024

Try the Pomelo liqueur, made with pomelos and grapefruits. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2024

Strain off the ice into a coupe or cocktail glass, express the oils of a grapefruit peel over the drink, and garnish with the peel. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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