fruity

Fruity is an adjective describing something that has the characteristics of fruit in taste, aroma, or appearance. It is commonly used to describe flavors and scents that resemble ripe fruit, such as apple, berry, citrus, or tropical fruit. The term can also describe color or texture that evokes fruitiness.

The word derives from the noun fruit with the suffix -y. In English, its usage dates to the early modern period, and it has since become a broad descriptor in cooking, labeling, marketing, and everyday speech.

In food and drink, fruity flavors arise from esters and other volatile compounds produced by fruits or by fermentation. Many foods, candies, yogurts, and beverages are described as fruity, even when fruit is not present as a primary ingredient. In wine and spirits, a fruity character refers to aromas of ripe fruit such as cherry, peach, or grape and can indicate style or maturity. In perfumery, fruity notes are common and may appear as top or middle notes in blends, often used to convey freshness or sweetness.

In usage, fruity can be subjective and culturally dependent. In some slang, it has been used as a pejorative to imply homosexuality, a meaning now widely regarded as offensive. Contemporary writing and labeling generally emphasize taste, aroma, and branding aspects of the term.