# marmalade

/ˈmɑɹməˌɫeɪd/ (US) · /mˈɑːmɐlˌeɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/marmalade
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. citrus preserve

noun · CEFR B1

a type of jam made from citrus fruit, like oranges, that includes pieces of the fruit skin and has a slightly bitter taste.

For teachers: a preserve made by boiling the pulp and rind of citrus fruits with sugar. It is distinguished from standard jam by its characteristic bitterness and the inclusion of fruit peel.

- He spread some orange marmalade on his toast for breakfast.
- The traditional recipe calls for Seville oranges, which provide the sharp acidity and bitterness essential for a high-quality marmalade.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the substance; countable when referring to a specific variety or jar.

### 2. orange-coloured cat

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a cat that has orange or ginger-coloured fur.

For teachers: a descriptive term for a domestic cat possessing ginger or orange-toned fur.

- A large marmalade cat was sleeping in the sunny spot on the rug.
- The stray was a friendly marmalade tomcat that had become a permanent fixture in the neighbourhood's communal garden.

### 3. to spread with marmalade

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal

to put marmalade on a piece of bread or toast.

For teachers: to apply marmalade to a food item. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- She quickly marmaladed her toast before rushing out the door.
- He sat at the breakfast table, methodically marmalading each slice of sourdough while reading the morning headlines.

## Examples

- I like to spread marmalade on my toast.
- The recipe for homemade marmalade requires several hours of slow cooking to ensure the fruit is fully softened.
- While many modern jams are made from pure fruit juice, traditional marmalade retains the fibrous texture of the citrus peel, providing a distinctive tangy flavor.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.