citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs How to pronounce citrus (audio)
plural citrus or citruses
often attributive
: any of a group of often thorny trees and shrubs (Citrus and related genera) of the rue family grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (such as the orange or lemon) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh
also : the fruit
citrusy adjective

Examples of citrus 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.
Like many citrus fruits, orange prices are heavily tied to the harvesting season. Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 Prunes, figs, artichokes, pears, apples, citrus fruits, and sweet potatoes are high-fiber options. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 15 May 2025 Grapefruit Grapefruit is a low-calorie citrus fruit known for its tart, slightly bitter flavor. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 12 May 2025 Expect lime, pineapple and apple blossom on the nose, while flavors of peaches, pears and bright citrus dance on the palate. Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for citrus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of citrus was in 1781

Cite this Entry

“Citrus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citrus. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

citrus

noun
cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs How to pronounce citrus (audio)
plural citrus or citruses
: any of a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs (as the orange, grapefruit, or lemon) grown in warm regions for their fruits
also : the fruit of a citrus
citrus adjective

Medical Definition

citrus

noun
cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs How to pronounce citrus (audio)
often attributive
1
capitalized : a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs of the rue family (Rutaceae) grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (as the orange, lemon, lime, or mandarin) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh
2
plural citruses or citrus : any plant or fruit of the genus Citrus or a related genus

More from Merriam-Webster on citrus

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