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 citriccitrinecitrous
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 calledlemon 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

Derived Forms

• ˈlemon-ˌlike, adjective
• ˈlemonish, adjective

Other Words From

• lemon·ish adjective
• lemon·like lemon·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lemon¹

1350–1400; 1905–10 lemon fordef 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

“He’s been way more confident,” said wideout Makai Lemon.

From Los Angeles Times

Atomo’s ingredients aren’t particularly high tech: date seeds, ramón seeds, sunflower seed extract, fructose, pea protein, millet, lemon, guava, fenugreek seeds, caffeine and baking soda.

From BBC

A light touch of herbs, some seasonings and a bright pop of fresh lemon juice, and you have a most brilliant concoction, a concoction that is now as much of a Creole classic as gumbo.

From Salon

Add artichokes and oysters, lemon juice, Worcestershire, dash of cayenne or hot sauce, and bring back up to a low boil then reduce heat and allow to cook low about 10 minutes.

From Salon

Throughout this election cycle, Don Lemon has been taking the pulse of the election person by person in cities across the country.

From Salon