kumquat

noun

kum·​quat ˈkəm-ˌkwät How to pronounce kumquat (audio)
: any of several small yellow to orange citrus fruits with sweet spongy rind and somewhat acid pulp that are used chiefly for preserves
also : a tree or shrub (genus Fortunella) of the rue family that bears kumquats

Examples of kumquat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Wapner herself made a seasonal floral arrangement of kumquat tree branches and fragrant flowering acacia, displaying it in a large copper chalice over the fireplace. Jessica Battilana, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2024 Garnish with in-season tangerines, kumquats, and blood oranges. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2023 Marlborough, New Zealand, $16 Racy yet ripe with kumquat and pineapple flavors and a hint of jalapeño spice, this wine adds verve to any meal. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 28 Dec. 2023 This tart-sweet marmalade delivers the complex flavor of calamansi—a fruit that’s like lime, kumquat and tangerine all in one—grown on Oahu. Aleksandra Crapanzano, WSJ, 14 Nov. 2023 Flavors of star fruit, pineapple, kumquat and lemongrass — and well, Juicy Fruit gum? — are a recipe for fun. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023 The citrus trees at C&S Nursery in Baldwin Hills would normally be full of passionfruit, kumquats and other fruits this time of year. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2023 Other seasonal ingredients include beets, spring peas, asparagus, arugula, dandelion greens, kumquats, radishes, and strawberries. Ashley Dunne, Sunset Magazine, 27 Mar. 2023 Fill the boughs with small apples, kumquats, and vintage-style ornaments. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kumquat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Guangdong) gām-gwāt, from gām gold + gwāt citrus fruit

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kumquat was in 1699

Dictionary Entries Near kumquat

Cite this Entry

“Kumquat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kumquat. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kumquat

noun
kum·​quat ˈkəm-ˌkwät How to pronounce kumquat (audio)
1
: a small yellowish orange fruit related to the citruses with sweet spongy skin and somewhat tart pulp used especially for preserves
2
: a tree or shrub that bears kumquats

More from Merriam-Webster on kumquat

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