clementine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, everyday.
Quick answer
What does “clementine” mean?
A small, sweet, easy-to-peel variety of citrus fruit, typically seedless, with a thin, deep orange skin that is glossy. It is a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, sweet, easy-to-peel variety of citrus fruit, typically seedless, with a thin, deep orange skin that is glossy. It is a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange.
The word can also refer to a deep orange color. Historically, it is a female given name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used and understood identically in both varieties.
Connotations
No significant difference.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK English as a generic term for small, easy-peel citrus, whereas in US English 'Cuties' or 'Halos' (brand names for clementines/mandarins) are also very common in speech.
Grammar
How to Use “clementine” in a Sentence
eat a clementinebuy clementinesbe packed with clementinesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clementine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She wore a clementine-coloured scarf.
- The clementine sunset was beautiful.
American English
- She wore a clementine-colored scarf.
- The clementine sunset was beautiful.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In agriculture, import/export, and retail (produce sections).
Academic
Rare, except in botanical or agricultural contexts.
Everyday
Common when discussing food, snacks, and seasonal fruit.
Technical
Used in horticulture to specify the Citrus × clementina cultivar.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clementine”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clementine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clementine”
- Misspelling as 'clementine' (correct) vs. 'clementine' (common typo).
- Using it as a countable noun without pluralizing when referring to multiple fruits (e.g., 'I ate three clementines').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are related but distinct. Clementines are a specific seedless variety of mandarin, often smoother-skinned and easier to peel than some tangerines. 'Tangerine' is sometimes used more broadly for deep-orange mandarins.
Their peak season in the Northern Hemisphere is from November to January, making them a common winter fruit.
It is named after Father Clément Rodier, who is credited with discovering or propagating the hybrid in Algeria in the early 20th century.
Yes, the zest (outer skin) of clementines is aromatic and can be used in baking, marinades, and sauces, similar to orange zest.
A small, sweet, easy-to-peel variety of citrus fruit, typically seedless, with a thin, deep orange skin that is glossy. It is a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange.
Clementine is usually informal, everyday. in register.
Clementine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɛm.ən.taɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɛm.ənˌtiːn/ or /ˈklɛm.ənˌtaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The folk song 'Oh My Darling, Clementine' is a cultural reference.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Clementine' as a name for a sweet, gentle fruit – it sounds kind ('clement' means mild).
Conceptual Metaphor
SWEETNESS IS PLEASANT / CONVENIENCE IS VALUABLE (easy to peel).
Practice
Quiz
What is a clementine most accurately described as?