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fruity

C2
Fairly common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /frˈuːti/

US

  • /ˈfruti/

Meanings

Adjective

  1. tasting, smelling, or flavored like fruit

  2. (informal)sexually suggestive or racy

  3. rich, full, and mellow, especially of a voice

More meanings
  1. (informal)odd, silly, or eccentric

  2. used derogatorily to describe a person as gay, effeminate, or flamboyant

Beyond the definition

"Fruity" usually describes a taste or smell that reminds you of fruit. You might talk about a "fruity tea," a "fruity dessert," or a wine with a "fruity" smell. In these cases, the word suggests sweetness, freshness, or bright flavor.

It can also describe something colorful, lively, or a little showy in style, though this use is less common. In older or slang use, it has also been used for a person seen as flamboyant or eccentric. That meaning can sound dated or rude today, so it is better used with care. Most of the time, "fruity" is simply about flavor or smell.

Examples

  1. 1

    Wine tasting

    This white wine is light and fruity.

  2. 2

    Scent

    The shampoo has a fresh, fruity smell.

  3. 3

    Dessert

    I wanted a dessert that was sweet but not too fruity.

  4. 4

    Cocktail

    He ordered a fruity cocktail with pineapple juice and rum.

More examples
  1. 5

    Film warning

    Be warned: the film has some fruity language.

    • Phrasefruity language

      rude or slightly shocking words

See also

Similar

  • fruit-flavored
  • fruit-scented
  • sweet

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • fruity flavor
  • fruity aroma
  • fruity wine
  • fruity cocktail

Word family

Explore

  • flavor note
  • aroma profile

Forms and spellings

3 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • fruityadjective

Forms

  • fruitiercomparativeadjective
  • fruitiestsuperlativeadjective