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

This cocktail features Tanqueray Gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, fresh pink grapefruit juice, sugar syrup and grapefruit, for garnish. —Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

How does grapefruit interact with medication in the first place? —Caroline Tien, SELF, 7 Apr. 2025

Don’t skip on the fun cocktail menu with inventive drinks like the Rhinestone Cowboy (a mixture of yuzu liqueur, sparkling sake, and Champagne) or the Eastbound & Down, a refreshing little number made of gin and grapefruit juice. —Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2025

A touch of grapefruit essential oil imparts a refreshing, uplifting scent. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Apr. 2025

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