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 Citrus) of the rue family that bears kumquats

Examples of kumquat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike most fruity orange sauces, the Pickled Prince version isn’t sugar-forward — kumquats have the perfect mixture of sweet punch and pucker to complement the habanero. —Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025

Items on the menu include include crispy swordfish cutlets with spiced kumquats and hojicha tapioca pudding for dessert. —Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025

The palate features similar flavors and red Thai chili, kumquat, and molasses notes. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

Aromas of clover honey, Champagne mango, pineapple, and crème brûlée give way to palate full of kumquat, prickly pear, marzipan, flint and honeysuckle. —Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

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