citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

plural citrus or citruses

often attributive

: any of a group of often thorny trees and shrubs (Citrus and related genera) of the rue family grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (such as the orange or lemon) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh

also : the fruit

citrusy

ˈsi-trə-sē 

adjective

Examples of citrus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Disney Channel alum also shared a photo of herself and Swift — who sported a sparkly pink-champagne dress for the occasion — sipping on citrus drinks while Gomez was getting ready to walk down the aisle. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025

Your Brain is Protected Against Disease Flavanones in citrus fruits may have neuroprotective potential. —Kathi Valeii Published, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025

Swap Out Citrus Hues, Swap in Earth Tones Kelly recommends packing away your lightweight linens, bright citrus hues, and breezy cottons. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025

Normally, acid from citrus is used to curdle the milk, before the solids are removed to leave a rich drink. —Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing citrus

• Asian citrus psyllid
• citrus canker
• citrus greening
• citrus greening disease
• citrus red mite

Rhymes for citrus

• nitrous

Kids Definition

citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

plural citrus or citruses

: any of a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs (as the orange, grapefruit, or lemon) grown in warm regions for their fruits

also : the fruit of a citrus

citrus adjective

Medical Definition

citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

often attributive

1

capitalized : a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs of the rue family (Rutaceae) grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (as the orange, lemon, lime, or mandarin) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh

2

plural citruses or citrus : any plant or fruit of the genus Citrus or a related genus