elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-dər-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
ˈel-də-,
-ˌbe-rē
1
: the edible black or red berrylike drupe of any of a genus (Sambucus) of shrubs or trees of the honeysuckle family bearing flat clusters of small white or pink flowers
2
: a tree or shrub bearing elderberries

Illustration of elderberry

Illustration of elderberry

Examples of elderberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the experiment, participants drank either 12 ounces of elderberry juice each day, or a placebo that was tinted to look and taste like elderberries. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 11 Jan. 2025 Honey, peppermint, licorice root, elderberry, ginger, and green tea can loosen mucus and help relieve a nagging cough. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025 Ornamental offerings include flowering dogwood, persimmon, serviceberry and elderberry. Jason Clayworth, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025 Cranberry, ginger, and elderberry add a citrus twist, while blue agave keeps things slightly sweet. Sarah Felbin, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elderberry

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elderberry was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Elderberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderberry. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

elderberry

noun
el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
1
: the edible black or red fruit of any of a genus of shrubs or trees of the same family as the honeysuckles that produce flat clusters of small white or pink flowers
2
: any tree or shrub that produces elderberries

Medical Definition

elderberry

noun
el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
plural elderberries
1
: the edible black or red berrylike drupe of a tree or shrub of the genus Sambucus that is eaten raw or processed into preserves or wines
2
: any tree or shrub of the genus Sambucus including several whose flowers or fruits were once considered to have medicinal properties see bourtree, sambucus sense 2

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