lemon

1 of 2

noun

lem·​on ˈle-mən How to pronounce lemon (audio)
1
a
: an acid fruit that is botanically a many-seeded pale yellow oblong berry produced by a small thorny citrus tree (Citrus limon) and that has a rind from which an aromatic oil is extracted
b
: a tree that bears lemons
2
: something (such as an automobile) that is unsatisfactory or defective

Illustration of lemon

Illustration of lemon
  • branch with fruit and flowers

lemon

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of the color lemon yellow
2
a
: containing lemon
b
: having the flavor or scent of lemon

Examples of lemon in a Sentence

Noun The recipe calls for the juice of two lemons. Garnish it with a slice of lemon. Our new car is a lemon.
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.
Noun
For the herb paste: Process parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, shallot, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in food processor until consistency of coarse paste, about 10 2-second pulses. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024 Just before serving, stir in lemon juice and remaining parsley. Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Order a side of fries, which is big enough to share between two people, and top things off with a lemon Italian ice—the only flavor available. Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu, Bon Appétit, 16 June 2023 With intoxicating notes of lemon essential oil, blackcurrant bud absolute, raspberry rose Damascena essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, and musk, the eau is sweet and citrusy yet not too overpowering. Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 22 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for lemon 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English lymon, from Middle French limon, from Medieval Latin limon-, limo, from Arabic laymūn, līmūn, from Persian līmū, līmun

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lemon was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lemon

Cite this Entry

“Lemon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lemon. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lemon

noun
lem·​on
ˈlem-ən
1
a
: a yellow oblong fruit with sour juice and a thick rind from which a fragrant oil is obtained
b
: a small thorny citrus tree that bears lemons
2
: the color of ripe lemons
3
: one that turns out to be unsatisfactory or disappointing
our new car is a lemon
lemon adjective

Medical Definition

lemon

noun
lem·​on ˈlem-ən How to pronounce lemon (audio)
: an acid fruit that contains citric acid and vitamin C, is botanically a many-seeded pale yellow oblong berry, and is produced by a small thorny tree of the genus Citrus (C. limon)
also : this tree
lemon adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on lemon

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