What does citron mean?
The citron is one of the oldest known citrus fruits, a large, oblong, thick-skinned fruit (Citrus medica) whose yellow rind is intensely fragrant while its pulp is dry and sour — so much so that the fruit is often valued chiefly for its peel rather than its juice. In modern usage the word most commonly refers to that peel once it has been candied: pale, sweet chunks of citron appear in traditional fruitcakes, panettone, stollen, and other festive baked goods. The fresh fruit itself is uncommon in Western supermarkets but holds deep cultural significance elsewhere; in Jewish tradition the citron, called the etrog, is one of the Four Species blessed during the festival of Sukkot. The word entered English through Old French from Latin citrus, the same root that gives us 'citrus' and 'citrine'. Though rare in casual conversation, citron carries an old-world, confectionary charm whenever it appears.
A large, thick-skinned citrus fruit (Citrus medica) with fragrant yellow rind and sour pulp; also the tree bearing this fruit.
"He grew a citron in a tub so he could move it indoors each winter."
When referring to the ritual Jewish fruit, 'etrog' is the more specific term.
Candied or crystallized peel of the citron, used in cakes and confectionery.
"The stollen recipe calls for half a cup of chopped citron."
Standard regular plural. When referring to candied citron used as an ingredient, the word is typically treated as uncountable ('some citron').
"The market stalls displayed piles of fresh citrons beside the candied peel."
The citron was the very first citrus fruit to reach Europe — long before oranges and lemons arrived, ancient Romans prized it mostly for its wonderfully fragrant peel.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of citron
The word citron comes from Old French, derived from Latin citrus, the classical name for the citron tree. It passed into Middle English in the medieval period as the fruit spread westward from its native Southeast Asian origins via Persia and the Mediterranean — the citron being the first citrus fruit known to Europeans. English cognates sharing this Latin root include 'citrus', 'citrine', and 'citric'.
How citron is actually used
In everyday speech 'citron' most often refers to the candied peel found in baking, since the fresh fruit is rarely sold whole outside specialty markets. In Jewish religious contexts the Hebrew word 'etrog' denotes the same fruit used ritually during Sukkot.
Easily confused with citron
Citrine is a translucent yellow quartz gemstone (and the colour yellow), whereas citron is a large citrus fruit or its candied peel.