lemon

1 of 2

noun

lem·​on ˈle-mən 

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

• 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

Synonyms

Noun

• bomb
• bummer
• bust
• catastrophe
• clinker
• clunker
• debacle
• débâcle
• disaster
• dud
• failure
• fiasco
• fizzle
• flop
• frost
• loser
• miss
• shipwreck
• turkey
• washout

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

Noun

Its ingredients comprise the usual suspects—oil, cheese, anchovies—plus lemon juice concentrate and citric acid, which contribute to its lively flavor. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 13 Feb. 2025

For both acne and acne scarring, apply the gel directly from the stalk once or twice a week on its own or mixed with lemon juice, cinnamon, coconut oil, or tea tree oil. —Atenea Morales De La Cruz, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025

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

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

Phrases Containing lemon

• lemon balm
• lemon curd
• lemon law
• lemon shark
• lemon sole
• lemon thyme
• lemon verbena
• lemon yellow
• rough lemon

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 

: 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