bergamot

noun

ber·​ga·​mot ˈbər-gə-ˌmät How to pronounce bergamot (audio)
plural bergamots
1
a
: a round to pear-shaped citrus fruit of a Mediterranean tree (Citrus bergamia synonym C. aurantium bergamia) that has a yellow to green rind which yields a bitter, fragrant essential oil and that is typically considered to be a hybrid of a sour orange and a lemon
b(1)
: a tree that bears bergamots
(2)
: the essential oil derived from a bergamot
2
: any of several mints (genus Monarda) see also wild bergamot

Examples of bergamot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Moonrise makes a doubly crisp, refreshing first impression with bergamot and green apple, then takes a turn for the sultry with an orange blossom heart and a spicy base. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2024 Its fresh, floral notes of bergamot and aldehydes mixed with jasmine and white floral accord bring a sophisticated touch to your hair. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024 There were figs in her backyard, which explains Bohemian Fig, a warm and woody blend of orange, bergamot, Sicilian lemon, vanilla orchid, tonka beans and vetiver. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Slice into a Meyer lemon and its perfume-like aroma will fill the kitchen with notes of lavender and bergamot that linger in the air like the most wonderful scented candle. Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appétit, 23 Feb. 2024 At Arnett Farms there were Buddha’s hand citrons; bergamot oranges; pomelos; Meyer lemons; and Kishu, Fairchild, Nova, Golden Nugget and Satsuma tangerines. Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2024 Best fragrances for Capricorn: Cedar, teakwood, and bergamot reflect their earthy, reliable personality. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 The brand's signature scent, Côte d'Azur, was developed in collaboration with one of the oldest French fragrance houses — and features notes of Calabrian bergamot, white butterfly jasmine, and sandalwood. Erika Reals, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2023 This Earl Grey–scented candle helps neutralize strong cooking smells, and notes of bergamot, black currant, and vanilla set a romantic mood without veering into cloyingly sweet territory. Anne Loreto Cruz, Bon Appétit, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bergamot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French bergamote, from Italian bergamotta, modification of Turkish bey armudu, literally, the bey's pear

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bergamot was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near bergamot

Cite this Entry

“Bergamot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bergamot. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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