kumquat

noun

kum·​quat ˈkəm-ˌkwät 

: 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 Citrus) of the rue family that bears kumquats

Examples of kumquat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Limes, lemons, kumquats, oranges, and grapefruits–make way for citrus season. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024

Step 5 Transfer the tahini dip to a serving bowl, spoon the honeyed kumquats on top, and serve. —Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson, Saveur, 31 July 2024

For example, Bad Blood includes Casamigos Jalapeno, soda, kumquat, and lime. —Robin Raven, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Maison Marou’s flagship Hanoi store is a modern-day Willy Wonka factory, selling chocolate bars infused with ingredients like kumquat, pepper and coconut. —Chris Humphrey, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kumquat

noun

kum·​quat ˈkəm-ˌkwät 

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