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Definition of grapefruit

grapefruit

/ˈɡreɪp.fruːt/
grape · fruit

Plural:grapefruits
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grapefruit Lexical Profile

grapefruit Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, round subtropical citrus fruit with a yellow or orange rind and a juicy, acidic, or somewhat bitter interior that ranges in color from pale yellow to ruby red.

Example

"She ate half a ruby red grapefruit with a sprinkle of sugar for breakfast."


2

The evergreen tree of the rue family (Citrus × paradisi) that bears the grapefruit, cultivated globally in warm and subtropical climates.

Example

"The frost severely damaged the citrus groves, threatening the local grapefruit and orange harvest."

Word Nuance & Usage

Grapefruit has two accepted plural forms: 'grapefruits' and the zero-plural 'grapefruit' (e.g., 'we picked three grapefruit').

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 19th century in the West Indies (likely Barbados). It was named because the fruits grow in clusters on the tree, vaguely resembling bunches of grapes.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Grapefruit. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/grapefruit
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