clementines: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, used in both spoken and written contexts. Slightly more common in descriptive, culinary, or everyday domestic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “clementines” mean?
A small, seedless, and easy-to-peel citrus fruit, a type of mandarin orange, typically in season during winter.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, seedless, and easy-to-peel citrus fruit, a type of mandarin orange, typically in season during winter.
Used metaphorically to refer to something small, sweet, or brightly coloured; also the plural form referring to multiple individual fruits.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used in both varieties. In the UK, 'satsumas' or 'mandarins' might be used more interchangeably in casual speech.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with Christmas/winter, health, and convenience as a snack.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English during the winter season due to strong marketing and tradition as a Christmas stocking filler.
Grammar
How to Use “clementines” in a Sentence
VERB + clementines: buy, peel, eat, segment, juiceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clementines” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The clementine segment was perfectly sweet.
- She preferred the clementine flavour over lemon.
American English
- The clementine peel made the compost smell nice.
- He wore a clementine-colored shirt.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of import/export, grocery retail, or agriculture.
Academic
Rare, except in botanical, agricultural, or nutritional studies.
Everyday
Common in domestic and conversational contexts, especially around seasonal shopping and snacks.
Technical
Used in horticulture to specify the cultivar Citrus × clementina.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clementines”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clementines”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clementines”
- Misspelling as 'clementenes' or 'clementines'. Using a singular verb with the plural form (e.g., 'Clementines is tasty' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are all varieties of mandarin oranges. Clementines are typically seedless, easy to peel, and quite sweet. Tangerines are often more tart and may have seeds. Satsumas are a specific, very easy-to-peel Japanese variety, often seedless. In everyday UK shopping, these terms are often used loosely and interchangeably for small, easy-peel citrus fruits.
Their primary season is from late November through February, which is why they are strongly associated with the Christmas period in many countries.
No. 'Clementine' is the singular (one fruit). 'Clementines' is the standard plural form (multiple fruits).
It is named after Father Clément Rodier, a French missionary in Algeria, who is credited with discovering or propagating the hybrid in the early 20th century.
A small, seedless, and easy-to-peel citrus fruit, a type of mandarin orange, typically in season during winter.
Clementines is usually neutral, used in both spoken and written contexts. slightly more common in descriptive, culinary, or everyday domestic contexts. in register.
Clementines: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɛm.ən.taɪnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɛm.ənˌtiːnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the plural form. The singular 'clementine' appears in the folk song 'Oh My Darling, Clementine'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CLEMENT ines are KIND (clement) fruits - sweet, easy, and pleasant to eat.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIGHTNESS/HAPPINESS IS ORANGE (e.g., 'a cheerful bowl of clementines').
Practice
Quiz
What is a key distinguishing feature of most commercially sold clementines?