ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lime

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈɫaɪm// UK //lˈaɪm// lime
  1. 1 the fruit (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a small, sour green fruit that is similar to a lemon.

    the small, acidic, green citrus fruit of various species, primarily Citrus aurantiifolia.

    Example

    She squeezed a fresh lime over her fish tacos for extra flavour.

    Example

    The bartender garnished the cocktail with a thin slice of lime to balance the sweetness of the syrup.
  2. 2 the colour (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a bright, light green colour like the skin of the fruit.

    a bright, vibrant shade of yellowish-green resembling the rind of a lime fruit.

    Example

    He wore a lime green shirt so his friends could find him in the crowd.

    Example

    The interior designer suggested lime accents to provide a modern contrast against the dark grey walls of the studio.
    • lime green
    • yellow green
  3. 3 the chemical (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    a white substance made from calcium used in building or to help plants grow.

    an inorganic calcium-containing material, usually calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide, used in mortar, plaster, and agriculture.

    Example

    The farmer spread lime on the fields to improve the quality of the soil.

    Example

    Historically, builders mixed lime with sand and water to create a durable mortar for stone walls.
    • quicklime
    • calcium oxide
  4. 4 the tree (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a type of large tree with heart-shaped leaves, also called a linden tree.

    a deciduous tree of the genus Tilia, common in temperate regions and often used for its soft wood.

    Example

    The long street was lined with tall lime trees that provided plenty of shade.

    Example

    In early summer, the scent of the flowering lime trees fills the parks of many European cities.
  5. 5 to socialise (v.)
    C1 Advanced Dialect Informal

    to hang out and relax with friends in a casual way.

    to socialise or spend time in an informal, relaxed manner with others.

    Example

    We spent the whole afternoon just liming on the beach with some music.

    Example

    The locals were liming outside the shop, enjoying the cool evening air after a long day of work.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is specific to Caribbean English, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
  6. 6 flavour or content (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    having the taste or smell of lime fruit.

    containing lime juice or having the characteristic aroma and flavour of the fruit.

    Example

    I prefer lime soda over lemon because it tastes sharper.

    Example

    The recipe calls for a tablespoon of lime zest to enhance the citrus profile of the cake.

Word family
Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026