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.
Inspired by the Amazon rainforest at dawn, this gender-neutral parfum layers white jungle florals, Brazilian orange oil, pink pepper, and grapefruit zest over grounding notes of bourbon, vetiver, musk, and patchouli. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 Highlights are karaoke contest, grapefruit bowling, wheelbarrow races, flapjack toss contest. — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 Notes of orange, grapefruit, tangerine, and lemon bring a burst of sunny citrus to every lather, while ingredients like vitamin C, chamomile, ginseng, ginger, and vitamin B5 nourish and revitalize the skin. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026 They had been stolen from Fort Morgan, and the largest were about the size of a grapefruit, TSA said. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 31 July 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 13 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of grapefruit for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grapefruit

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