limeade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “limeade” mean?
A soft drink made from the juice of limes mixed with water and sugar, typically served cold.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft drink made from the juice of limes mixed with water and sugar, typically served cold.
It can also refer to a type of concentrate, syrup, or powdered mix used to make this drink. In a broader culinary sense, it may be used as a flavoring or base for cocktails, sorbets, and marinades.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, 'limeade' is a standard menu item, often found alongside lemonade. In the UK, 'lemonade' is far more common; 'limeade' is recognized but less frequently served as a standard soft drink.
Connotations
In the US, it carries connotations similar to lemonade: refreshing, homemade, summery, sometimes associated with Southern or casual dining. In the UK, it may be perceived as a more exotic or specific alternative to lemonade.
Frequency
More frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “limeade” in a Sentence
[drink/serve/make] + limeadelimeade + [with/in] + (mint/ice/straw)limeade + [from] + concentrateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “limeade” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She preferred the limeade flavour over the orange.
American English
- He bought a limeade slushy from the convenience store.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of menu descriptions for cafes, restaurants, or soft drink manufacturing.
Academic
Rare, except in cultural or historical studies of food and drink.
Everyday
Common when discussing beverages, recipes, or ordering at casual eateries.
Technical
Used in food science or mixology (bartending) to specify an ingredient.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “limeade”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “limeade”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “limeade”
- Misspelling as 'limade' or 'limeaid'. Confusing it with 'lemonade' in recipes or orders.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary difference is the citrus fruit used. Limeade is made from limes, giving it a distinctively sharper, more tart flavour, while lemonade is made from lemons.
Yes. While traditional limeade is often still, many commercial and homemade versions can be sparkling, made by adding soda water or using carbonated water as the base.
The term 'limeade' by itself typically refers to a non-alcoholic beverage. However, it is commonly used as a mixer in alcoholic cocktails, such as a 'vodka limeade' or a 'tequila limeade'.
Not exactly. Lime cordial (more common in UK English) is a sweetened, concentrated lime syrup designed to be diluted with water or soda. Limeade can be made from cordial, but it can also be made directly from fresh lime juice, water, and sugar.
A soft drink made from the juice of limes mixed with water and sugar, typically served cold.
Limeade is usually informal, everyday in register.
Limeade: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪˈmeɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪˈmeɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LIME + the ending of lemonADE. It's like lemonade, but made with limes.
Conceptual Metaphor
REFRESHMENT IS A COOL DRINK (e.g., 'a limeade to cool down'). SUMMER IS A TIME FOR CITRUS DRINKS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'limeade' LEAST likely to be used?