kumquat

American  

[kuhm-kwot] / ˈkʌm kwɒt /

Sometimes cumquat

noun

1. a small, round or oblong citrus fruit having a sweet rind and acid pulp, used chiefly for preserves.

2. any of several citrus shrubs of the genus Fortunella, native to China, that bear this fruit.

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kumquat British  

/ ˈkʌmkwɒt /

noun

1. any of several small Chinese trees of the rutaceous genus Fortunella

2. the small round orange fruit of such a tree, with a sweet rind, used in preserves and confections

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Etymology

Origin of kumquat

First recorded in 1865–70; from dialectal Chinese (Guangdong) gāmgwāt “gold citrus fruit,” akin to Chinese jīnjù

Example Sentences

Coffee and fruit is a popular pairing among Vietnam’s younger drinkers, including those inside Blackbird’s Old Quarter location, where teens and 20-somethings sip espresso drinks spiked with banana, mango, pomegranate, kumquat, sugar cane and more.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has been seen touring a grocery market and delivering kumquats—a citrus fruit that represents prosperity in Chinese culture—to local employees at a company party.

From The Wall Street Journal

From currants and persimmons to kumquats and cherries, each fruit brings its own balance, complexity and a subtle intrigue that can elevate a dish in unexpected ways.

From Salon

I like to get their kumquat tea, because I like that it’s not super sweet.

From Los Angeles Times

His skill was perhaps most evident in his mastery of magical moles and his more inventive creations, like fried cochinita pibil head cheese with habanero ash emulsion, avocado mousse, and kumquat sauce.

From Salon