loquat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal to formal (but primarily in descriptive, botanical, horticultural, and culinary contexts)
Quick answer
What does “loquat” mean?
A small, yellow, plum-sized fruit with smooth skin and a few large seeds, known for its sweet and slightly tart flavour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, yellow, plum-sized fruit with smooth skin and a few large seeds, known for its sweet and slightly tart flavour.
The evergreen tree (Eriobotrya japonica) that produces the loquat fruit, also cultivated as an ornamental plant. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in preserves, jellies, and pies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is identical in spelling and meaning. Usage may vary slightly depending on local cultivation; it is more commonly known in warmer regions of both countries (e.g., California, Florida, Southern UK).
Connotations
Neutral, with a slight exotic or specialist connotation, as it is not a mainstream supermarket fruit in most temperate regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher familiarity in American English due to more extensive cultivation in California and the southern US.
Grammar
How to Use “loquat” in a Sentence
grow/plant a [loquat tree]pick/eat a [loquat]make [loquat jam]the [loquat] is ripe/tartVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loquat” 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
- Not applicable as a standard adjective. Possible but rare: 'a loquat-flavoured yoghurt'.
- The loquat tree's blossoms are fragrant.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective. Possible but rare: 'loquat preserves', 'loquat-colored sunset'.
- We admired the loquat tree's foliage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of import/export of exotic fruits, horticulture, or farm-to-table sales.
Academic
Used in botanical, horticultural, or agricultural research papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing gardening, trying new fruits, or in recipes.
Technical
Used in plant taxonomy, pomology (fruit science), and agricultural guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “loquat”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “loquat”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loquat”
- Misspelling as 'loquate', 'loquat fruit' (redundant but common in description). Confusing it with 'kumquat' (a different citrus fruit).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different fruits. Loquats are in the rose family, while kumquats are small citrus fruits.
Yes, the skin of a loquat is thin, edible, and typically eaten, though some people prefer to peel it.
Loquats thrive in subtropical to mild temperate climates and are sensitive to severe frost.
Like many fruit seeds in the rose family, loquat seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides and should not be consumed in large quantities, though accidentally swallowing one or two is generally not harmful.
A small, yellow, plum-sized fruit with smooth skin and a few large seeds, known for its sweet and slightly tart flavour.
Loquat is usually informal to formal (but primarily in descriptive, botanical, horticultural, and culinary contexts) in register.
Loquat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊ.kwɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊ.kwɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LOQuat' sounds like 'LOcally', as it's often grown in local gardens in warm climates. Or, 'LOw-hanging fruit' that you 'QUAT' (squat) to pick.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not commonly used metaphorically. Potential: 'A loquat of wisdom' (rare, playing on 'loquacious' but unrelated) – this is not standard.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'loquat'?