lemon

noun lem·on \ ˈle-mən \

|Updated on: 15 Aug 2018

Definition of lemon

1 a : an acid fruit that is botanically a many-seeded pale yellow oblong berry produced by a small thorny citrus tree (Citrus limon) and that has a rind from which an aromatic oil is extracted

b : a tree that bears lemons

2 : something (such as an automobile) that is unsatisfactory or defective

See lemon defined for English-language learners

See lemon defined for kids

Examples of lemon in a Sentence

The recipe calls for the juice of two lemons.
Garnish it with a slice of lemon.
Our new car is a lemon.

Recent Examples of lemon from the Web

Hald tells Geggel that fruits originating from the Mediterranean region, such as figs, raisins and lemon peels, were likely prepared as dried delicacies in order to prevent them from spoiling on the journey north to Denmark.

— meilan solly, Smithsonian, "Archaeologists Unseal 17th-Century Danish Latrines to Discover Copenhageners’ Dietary Habits," 9 July 2018
Pour into a martini glass and garnish with slivers of lemon peel if desired.

— joanne kempinger demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Pear vodka, ginger liqueur flavor this Lake Park Bistro martini - You Asked for It," 18 June 2018
Other American makers use cardamom, coriander, grapefruit, oranges, lemon peel or vanilla in the process. Browse the photo gallery above to see a variety of American gins, and follow one distiller's process below.

— jonah flicker, USA TODAY, "Celebrate World Gin Day in the USA," 8 June 2018
Squeeze and twist the lemon peel to release oils and drop it in the glass.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Recipe: Sallie Gardner cocktail," 10 May 2018
He usual recipe: Maker’s Mark as his base and, for a twist, two ounces of sparkling water and a lemon peel for garnish.

— tim hackett, SI.com, "The Definitive Guide to the Triple Crown Cocktails," 3 May 2018
The commemorative gin is made with lime flower, organic lemon peel and, of course, ginger.

— diana pearl, PEOPLE.com, "Ginger Gin! Windsor Pub Distills a New Spirit for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding," 7 Apr. 2018
Options include Mediterranean Style Beef, which has parsley, garlic purée and lemon peel; Chipotle Chicken (poblano peppers, green onion, lime juice); and Umami, which contains shiitake mushrooms, fish sauce and Nori seaweed.

— kavita daswani, latimes.com, "4 convenience foods that won't destroy your diet," 2 Mar. 2018
Strain into a martini glass using a cocktail strainer. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

— will higgins, Indianapolis Star, "8 weird things about Workingman's Friend, the best blue-collar burger place in town," 25 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lemon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of lemon

Origin and Etymology of lemon

Middle English lymon, from Middle French limon, from Medieval Latin limon-, limo, from Arabic laymūn, līmūn, from Persian līmū, līmun

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

lemon Synonyms

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

lemon

adjective

Definition of lemon

1 : of the color lemon yellow

2 a : containing lemon

b : having the flavor or scent of lemon

Recent Examples of lemon from the Web

Make LEMON PUDDING (from a mix) with 1 percent milk for dessert.

— susan nicholson, Twin Cities, "7-day menu planner: For easy entertaining, try this linguine dish," 16 Apr. 2017
Jack Rudy Elderflower Tonic .5 oz. Lemon juice 4 oz.

— sam dangremond, Town & Country, "This Holiday Cocktail Recipe Honors 170 Years of T&C," 18 Dec. 2015

First Known Use of lemon

1598

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Financial Definition of LEMON

lemon

noun

What It Is

A lemon is an item whose defects were not outwardly apparent at the time that it was sold to a consumer. ”Lemon” has typically referred to a defective new car but its current application has become more widespread.

How It Works

What constitutes a lemon? Using the example of a car, any new vehicle that has a substantial and/or continuous problem that isn't fixed within a reasonable number of attempts, or that has had a certain number of days out of service or in repair. The legal definition according to many state statutes is as follows: 1) a new car can not be fixed for a substantial defect within four attempts; or 2) a safety defect can not be fixed within two attempts; or 3) the car is out of service for 30 days within the first 12,000 miles and/or the first 12 or 24 months of purchase., Under these conditions, the consumer may be entitled to a remedy from the manufacturer of either cash or a replacement car.

Federal and state laws to protect the consumer have been passed in response to the alleged proliferation of defective cars. The consumer is protected by three types of laws: The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, The Uniform Commercial Code, and various state laws.

Why It Matters

The consumer is armed with legislation to support his efforts to secure either a refund or replacement for his defective purchase. Aware of these rights, he can confidently assert his position when faced with a new vehicle (or other product) that is consistently needing repair.

Source: Investing Answers

LEMON Defined for English Language Learners

lemon

noun

Definition of lemon for English Language Learners

: a yellow citrus fruit that has a sour taste
: a bright yellow color
: a product that is not made well : a product that does not work the way it should

LEMON Defined for Kids

lemon

noun lem·on \ ˈle-mən \

Definition of lemon for Students

1 : an oval yellow fruit with a sour juice that is related to the orange and grows on a small spiny tree

2 : something unsatisfactory : dud The used car was a lemon.

Medical Dictionary

lemon

noun lem·on \ ˈlem-ən \

medical Definition of lemon

: an acid fruit that contains citric acid and vitamin C, is botanically a many-seeded pale yellow oblong berry, and is produced by a small thorny tree of the genus Citrus (C. limon); also : this tree

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