kumquat

noun

kum·​quat ˈkəm-ˌkwät 

: any of several small yellow to orange citrus fruits with sweet spongy rind and somewhat acid pulp that are used chiefly for preserves

also : a tree or shrub (genus Fortunella) of the rue family that bears kumquats

Examples of kumquat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But there are more inventive dishes as well, like mussels in a blue-cheese sauce and duck breast with tamarind puree, kumquat, and chicory. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 28 June 2024

If preserved lemon proves difficult to find, substitute for sliced rounds of kumquat sprinkled with Diamond Crystal kosher salt. —Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2024

Sit down for a quick tasting and definitely give the refreshing cucumber vodka or tangy kumquat liqueur a try. —Christina Liao, Vogue, 17 June 2024

There are tidy lines of herbs to clip, radishes to pull, and small, bright kumquats to snack on. —Rebekah Peppler, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Guangdong) gām-gwāt, from gām gold + gwāt citrus fruit

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kumquat

noun

kum·​quat ˈkəm-ˌkwät 

1

: a small yellowish orange fruit related to the citruses with sweet spongy skin and somewhat tart pulp used especially for preserves

2

: a tree or shrub that bears kumquats