What does lemonade mean?
Lemonade is a sweet, refreshing drink made from lemon juice, water, and sugar. It is typically served cold, often over ice, and may be garnished with a lemon slice or mint. The word is used in both formal and informal contexts, from describing a commercial beverage to referring to a homemade drink sold at a roadside or garden stand. Its name reflects its main ingredient: “lemon” is combined with the suffix “-ade,” which is also used in names such as orangeade and limeade. Although lemonade can vary greatly in sweetness and concentration, its central meaning remains a lemon-based drink. In the expression “a lemonade stand,” it also evokes the familiar traditional practice of children or families selling homemade lemonade to passersby.
nounA drink made from lemon juice, water, and sugar, sometimes sweetened with additional sugar and served cold. It may also be flavored or garnished with other fruit, herbs, or mint.
- A sweetened drink made from lemon juice and water, usually served cold.
"She poured a tall glass of lemonade and handed it to him before the heat of the afternoon became unbearable."
"The café sells lemonade, iced tea, and cold-brew coffee during the summer."
"She started a lemonade stand outside her house to help raise money for the school trip."
Usually plural when referring to different kinds, servings, or brands of lemonade.
"The shop stocks several lemonades made with mint, cucumber, and ginger."
The name combines the fruit with the suffix “-ade,” a word-building ending that turns many fruit juices into familiar drink names, including orangeade and limeade.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lemonade
The English word comes through French limonade, a drink prepared from lemon juice, water, and sugar. The French term is built from limon, meaning “lemon,” and the suffix -ade, which forms names for drinks made from fruit juices or similar substances. Lemonade entered English use in the 17th century and later became a familiar household and commercial beverage in both Britain and the United States.
Related word forms
How lemonade is actually used
The word is common in everyday speech in both British and American English. In British English it can sometimes refer more broadly to any lemon-flavored soft drink, although the basic meaning is a drink made from lemon juice, water, and sugar.
Easily confused with lemonade
Lemonade is made primarily with lemon juice and has a sharper, more tart citrus flavor, while limeade is made with lime juice and is generally smoother or sweeter.