pomelo

[ pom-uh-loh ]

noun

, plural pom·e·los.

1. the very large, yellow or orange citrus fruit of a tree, Citrus maxima, of southeastern Asia.
2. the tree itself.

pomelo

/ ˈpɒmɪˌləʊ /

noun

1. a tropical rutaceous tree, Citrus maxima (or C. decumana ), grown widely in oriental regions for its large yellow grapefruit-like edible fruit
2. the fruit of this tree
3. another name for grapefruit

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomelo¹

1855–60; pseudo-Spanish alteration of pomplemoose < Dutch pompelmoes, perhaps blend of pompoen pumpkin and Portuguese limões, plural of limão lemon

Word History and Origins

Origin of pomelo¹

C19: from Dutch pompelmoes, perhaps from pompoen big + Portuguese limão a lemon

Example Sentences

They speculate that other early Citrus species, including the pomelo and citron, emerged slightly later in the Himalayan foothills.

From Scientific American

I left the car and started to run, I saw a place with many pomelo trees and I went there.

From BBC

Colored paper lanterns hung along the strip where customers stocked up on pomelos, whole ducks and moon cakes.

From Washington Post

Mandarins, pomelos, citrons, kumquats and papeda were likely main, original biological species.

From Salon

Grapefruit is used here, but if you happen on pomelos, grab a few: They’re much easier to peel and loosen from their piths.

From Seattle Times