barberry

noun

bar·​ber·​ry ˈbär-ˌber-ē 

-ˌbe-rē

: any of a genus (Berberis of the family Berberidaceae, the barberry family) of shrubs usually having spines, usually yellow flowers, and oblong red or blackish berries

Examples of barberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Berberine is a natural compound in flowering plants like barberry, coptis root, and goldenseal. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025

Berberine is a chemical compound derived from plants like tree turmeric, barberry, goldenseal, goldenthread — all of which have historically played an important role in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024

The superfine mist uses salicylic acid and brightening barberry and licorice extracts to minimize discoloration. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

Along with its star exfoliant, this micro-fine mist also treats your skin with barberry and licorice extracts, which are rich in brightening antioxidants to minimize skin discoloration. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English berberie, from Medieval Latin berberis, from Arabic barbārīs

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for barberry

• askari
• astbury
• azeri
• banbury
• blackberry
• blueberry
• canary
• cranberry
• dentary
• dewberry
• dogberry
• equerry

Kids Definition

barberry

noun

bar·​ber·​ry ˈbär-ˌber-ē 

: any of a genus of spiny yellow-flowered shrubs with bright red or blackish berries

Medical Definition

barberry

noun

bar·​ber·​ry

ˈbär-ˌber-ē, British often & US sometimes -b(ə-)rē

plural barberries

1

: any shrub of the genus Berberis

2

a

: an evergreen shrub of the genus Mahonia (especially M. aquifolium)

b

: berberis sense 2