grapefruit

[ greyp-froot ]

noun

1. a large, roundish, yellow-skinned, edible citrus fruit having a juicy, acid pulp.
2. the tropical or semitropical tree, Citrus paradisi, yielding this fruit.

grapefruit

/ ˈɡreɪpˌfruːt /

noun

1. a tropical or subtropical cultivated evergreen rutaceous tree, Citrus paradisi
2. the large round edible fruit of this tree, which has yellow rind and juicy slightly bitter pulp

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapefruit¹

1805–15; grape + fruit, apparently from the resemblance of its clusters to those of grapes

Example Sentences

“It’s like a grapefruit,” Freeman said of the swelling in his sprained, but not broken, right ankle.

From Los Angeles Times

Originated and distilled in the city, its strong taste — with notes of rubber bands, licorice and grapefruit — makes it something of a rite passage among local drinkers.

From Salon

He added that for years he has picked lemons, oranges and grapefruit in San Joaquin Valley orchards without shade and at times with no water provided by employers.

From Los Angeles Times

The recipe: rosé, Aperol, gin and grapefruit juice – a perfect way to celebrate summer.

From Salon

I’m tasting Sprite, dried lime slice with some grapefruit tartness; a nice patio sipper on a lazy, shorts-and-sandals day.

From Seattle Times