lemon

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noun lem·on \ˈle-mən\

Updated on: 26 Jul 2017

Definition of lemon

1a : 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 extractedb : 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

McConnell seemed to be trying to turn lemons into lemonade with next week’s likely rejection of a simple repeal of much of Obama’s law.

— Washington Post, "Crumbling health bill dents McConnell image as top tactician," 19 July 2017
Don’t miss desserts as comforting as warm Italian doughnuts with lemon curd and Nutella.

— garrett snyder, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Los Angeles Magazine Hot Restaurant List for July 2017," 18 July 2017
If the yellow drapes, yellow outfit and bowl of lemons in Jennifer Lopez’s music video weren’t enough, the appearance of Sprint’s spokesman drives home the message.

— mark davis, kansascity, "Yes, that’s the Sprint spokesman in JLo’s new Spanish-language video," 14 July 2017
Horse Thief's lemon radler called Summer Swelter will be released at the fest and available for only three weeks following.

— vickie snow jurkowski, Daily Southtown, "Summer Swelter brings hot fun for a good cause, plus beer," 13 July 2017
Grilled beets Three large beets Half a lime or lemon, juiced Olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Boil beets for 45 minutes to an hour until tender (halfway cooked).

— The Courier-Journal, "Xtras recipe of the day: Grilled beets," 12 July 2017
Mix 1 oz dark rum and ½ oz orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) over ice in a tall glass, top with Farmer Willie's and a lemon slice.

— francine maroukian, Popular Mechanics, "You Need to Know About Real, Boozy Ginger Beer," 7 July 2017
Stir in broth, lemon juice, pepper and cooked, drained barley.

— jill wendholt silva, kansascity.com, "Barley, Leek and Asparagus Skillet melds delicate flavors well," 5 July 2017
Slowly add oil and lemon juice mixture to the eggs and garlic.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "Cuvee Wine Table 'a perfect fit' for chef de cuisine," 4 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

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

lemon

adjective lem·on

Definition of lemon

1 : of the color lemon yellow
2a : containing lemonb : having the flavor or scent of lemon

First Known Use of lemon

1598

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

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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

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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

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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