American barberry

noun

: a shrub (Berberis canadensis) of the southeastern U.S. with brown branches and flowers in short umbelliform clusters

called also Allegheny barberry

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of American barberry was in 1824

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near American barberry

Cite this Entry

“American barberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American%20barberry. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!