A1 noun Neutral #2,699 most common

lime

/laɪm/

A lime is a small, round, green citrus fruit that has a sour and acidic taste. It is commonly used to add flavor to food and beverages, especially in tropical cuisines.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I like to squeeze a fresh lime over my fish for better flavor.

I like to squeeze a fresh lime over my fish for better flavor.

2

The culinary instructor emphasized the importance of using fresh lime juice in the marinade.

The culinary instructor emphasized the importance of using fresh lime juice in the marinade.

3

Hey, do we have any lime left for the tacos?

Hey, do we have any lime left for the tacos?

Word Family

Noun
lime
Adjective
limey
Related
limeade
💡

Memory Tip

Limes are 'Little' and 'Leaf-green'. Both words start with the same sound as Lime.

Quick Quiz

A ____ is a green citrus fruit that tastes very sour.

Correct!

The correct answer is: lime

Examples

1

I like to squeeze a fresh lime over my fish for better flavor.

everyday

I like to squeeze a fresh lime over my fish for better flavor.

2

The culinary instructor emphasized the importance of using fresh lime juice in the marinade.

formal

The culinary instructor emphasized the importance of using fresh lime juice in the marinade.

3

Hey, do we have any lime left for the tacos?

informal

Hey, do we have any lime left for the tacos?

4

The chemical composition of lime oil includes limonene and citral.

academic

The chemical composition of lime oil includes limonene and citral.

5

Market research suggests a growing consumer demand for lime-infused sparkling water.

business

Market research suggests a growing consumer demand for lime-infused sparkling water.

Word Family

Noun
lime
Adjective
limey
Related
limeade

Common Collocations

lime juice lime juice
slice of lime slice of lime
lime green lime green
squeeze of lime squeeze of lime
lime zest lime zest

Common Phrases

key lime pie

key lime pie

in the limelight

in the limelight (being the center of public attention)

lime in the coconut

lime in the coconut

Often Confused With

lime vs lemon

A lemon is yellow and usually oval, whereas a lime is green, rounder, and typically smaller.

lime vs limelight

Limelight refers to public attention, though it historically comes from a type of stage lamp using the mineral lime.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'lime' when referring to the green fruit or the specific bright green color. In cooking, it is often interchangeable with lemon but has a distinct floral aroma.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid calling a lime a 'green lemon' in English; they are recognized as two different fruits.

💡

Memory Tip

Limes are 'Little' and 'Leaf-green'. Both words start with the same sound as Lime.

📖

Word Origin

From the Arabic 'līmah', which refers to citrus fruits, entering English via French in the 17th century.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: 'I bought three limes.' Uncountable when referring to flavor: 'This cake has a hint of lime.'
🌍

Cultural Context

Limes are an essential part of Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine, used to balance spicy and salty flavors.

Quick Quiz

A ____ is a green citrus fruit that tastes very sour.

Correct!

The correct answer is: lime

Related Phrases

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