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
Examples of citrus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The scent boasts creamy coconut and vanilla notes that give it a beachy feel, while citrus and woody undertones offer a clean, herbal aroma.
—
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
As fans of Zaxbys' Zalads know, the Asian Zensation Zalad is one of the restaurant's healthiest lunch options with its combination of chicken, greens, crispy wonton strips, and slaw topped with a citrus-spiked vinaigrette.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025
Finally, two seasonal mulling kits — Spiced Cider and Hot Toddy ($16 each) — blend cinnamon, citrus peel, and ginger for home entertaining.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Remove a thin piece of peel from a lemon (for rye) or orange (for bourbon), getting as little of the bitter white pith as possible; hold the peel between your fingers with the outside facing the top of the drink and pinch slightly to express the citrus oils over the top.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
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Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
As fans of Zaxbys' Zalads know, the Asian Zensation Zalad is one of the restaurant's healthiest lunch options with its combination of chicken, greens, crispy wonton strips, and slaw topped with a citrus-spiked vinaigrette.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025
Finally, two seasonal mulling kits — Spiced Cider and Hot Toddy ($16 each) — blend cinnamon, citrus peel, and ginger for home entertaining.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
Remove a thin piece of peel from a lemon (for rye) or orange (for bourbon), getting as little of the bitter white pith as possible; hold the peel between your fingers with the outside facing the top of the drink and pinch slightly to express the citrus oils over the top.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for citrus
Cite this Entry
“Citrus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citrus. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
citrus
noun
cit·rus
ˈsi-trəs 
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
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
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