lemon

[lem-uhn]

noun

1. the yellowish, acid fruit of a subtropical citrus tree, Citrus limon.

2. the tree itself.

3. lemon yellow.

4. Informal.,  a person or thing that proves to be defective, imperfect, or unsatisfactory; dud.

   His car turned out to be a lemon.

adjective

1. made of or with lemon.

2. having the color, taste, or odor of lemon.

lemon

/ ˈlɛmən /

noun

1. a small Asian evergreen tree, Citrus limon, widely cultivated in warm and tropical regions, having pale green glossy leaves and edible fruits

2. 1. the yellow oval fruit of this tree, having juicy acidic flesh rich in vitamin C

   2. ( as modifier )

      a lemon jelly

3. Also called: lemon yellow. 

   1. a greenish-yellow or strong yellow colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      lemon wallpaper

4. a distinctive tart flavour made from or in imitation of the lemon

5. slang,  a person or thing considered to be useless or defective

Other Word Forms

• lemonish adjective
• lemonlike adjective
• lemony adjective
• lemon-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lemon¹

1350–1400; 1905–10 lemon for def. 4; < Medieval Latin lemōnium; replacing Middle English lymon < Medieval Latin līmō, (stem līmōn- ) < Persian līmū, līmun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lemon¹

C14: from Medieval Latin lemōn-, from Arabic laymūn

Example Sentences

As luck has it, there is a gelato joint next door and so we continue his lead, sit on the terrace, people-watch and while away and enjoy lemon sorbet.

Read more on Salon

Nina padded up in her slippers, bringing rolls and glasses of tea with lemon.

Read more on Literature

Once you know those, you’re free to riff — to add lemon zest or nutmeg or a fistful of herbs — the culinary equivalent of adding fringe.

Read more on Salon

Elsewhere, a stripe of lemon yellow radiates against an inky background, interrupted by numerous dark patches.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Sprinkle the surface with za’atar and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal