grapefruit

noun

grape·​fruit ˈgrāp-ˌfrüt How to pronounce grapefruit (audio)
1
plural grapefruit or grapefruits : a large round citrus fruit with a bitter yellow rind and a juicy somewhat tart pale yellow, pink, or reddish pulp
2
: a small citrus tree (Citrus paradisi) that produces grapefruit

Examples of grapefruit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This means eating grapefruit can boost your water intake and support overall hydration. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 The flesh of the cara cara orange is a beautiful, deep pink-red color with subtle notes of orange, reminiscent of a cross between a grapefruit and a blood orange. — Christina Manian, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026 Her 2025 Blueprint has aromas of lemon peel, green apple, pink grapefruit, and lemon zest, with flavors of Delicious apple, mandarin, tangerine, and lemon blossom. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026 Two new notable drinks to try are the Romeo, featuring Malfy Gin, Amaro Averna and Fernet Branca Menta, ginger-lemon and grapefruit soda. — Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grapefruit

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grapefruit was in 1814

Rhymes for grapefruit

See All Rhymes for grapefruit

Browse Nearby Words

grape fern
grapefruit
grapefruit knife
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grapefruit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grapefruit. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

grapefruit

noun
grape·​fruit ˈgrāp-ˌfrüt How to pronounce grapefruit (audio)
1
plural grapefruit or grapefruits : a large citrus fruit with a bitter yellow rind and a highly flavored somewhat acid juicy pulp
2
: a tree that bears grapefruit

More from Merriam-Webster on grapefruit

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grapefruit

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