blood orange: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “blood orange” mean?
A variety of orange (Citrus sinensis) with deep crimson, almost blood-colored flesh and rind, caused by the presence of anthocyanins.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A variety of orange (Citrus sinensis) with deep crimson, almost blood-colored flesh and rind, caused by the presence of anthocyanins.
Used metaphorically to describe something with a deep red or crimson color reminiscent of the fruit's flesh, or to evoke richness, exoticism, or a slightly dark, intense beauty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling and term are identical.
Connotations
Connotes gourmet/specialty produce, Mediterranean cuisine (particularly Italian and Spanish), and seasonal winter fruit. No negative connotations.
Frequency
Equally recognizable in both varieties, though familiarity may correlate with exposure to specialty food markets and cooking.
Grammar
How to Use “blood orange” in a Sentence
NP (subject) + be + a blood orangeV (peel/slice/juice) + NP (blood orange)NP (salad/sauce) + with + NP (blood orange)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blood orange” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A blood-orange hue coloured the evening sky.
- She made a blood-orange sorbet.
American English
- A blood orange hue colored the evening sky.
- She made a blood orange vinaigrette.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In contexts of agricultural trade, gourmet food retail, or restaurant menu descriptions.
Academic
In botanical, horticultural, or food science texts discussing citrus cultivars and anthocyanin pigmentation.
Everyday
In discussions about cooking, grocery shopping, or describing food and colors.
Technical
Precise designation of Citrus sinensis cultivars like 'Citrus sinensis 'Moro''.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blood orange”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blood orange”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blood orange”
- Misspelling as 'bloodorange' (should be two words or hyphenated: 'blood-orange').
- Using it as a mass noun (e.g., 'I bought some blood orange' instead of '...some blood oranges' or '...some blood orange juice').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a natural variety of the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), distinguished by its red pigmentation.
The name comes from the deep red color of its flesh and juice, which can resemble the color of blood.
They often have a unique, complex flavor that can be sweeter than some common oranges, with hints of raspberry or grape, and a slightly less acidic profile.
They are traditionally associated with the Mediterranean, particularly Sicily (Italy) and Spain, where specific temperature variations encourage the red pigmentation.
A variety of orange (Citrus sinensis) with deep crimson, almost blood-colored flesh and rind, caused by the presence of anthocyanins.
Blood orange is usually neutral to formal in register.
Blood orange: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblʌd ˌɒr.ɪndʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblʌd ˌɔːr.ɪndʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Poetic: 'blood-orange sunset'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the deep red color of the flesh as looking like it's stained with blood, which is right in the name.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOR IS A SUBSTANCE (the 'blood' provides the color quality).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a specific cultivar of blood orange?