currant

noun

cur·​rant ˈkər-ənt 

ˈkə-rənt

1

: a small seedless raisin originally grown chiefly in the eastern Mediterranean

2

: the acid edible fruit of various shrubs (genus Ribes) placed in either the saxifrage or gooseberry family

also : a plant bearing currants

Examples of currant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Expect a rich color and full body with tons of currant and black cherry with a hint of green bell pepper. —Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

The sharp acidity and swift tannin draw are led by notes of dark cherry, brambled berries, stewed holiday plum, and tart currant, all infused with the richness of French oak. —Jill Barth, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Whole-wheat couscous salad—studded with currants and almond slices—is a mouthfeel bonanza. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2011

Sweet currant rolls are complimentary (Nov. 20-24). —Anna Spiegel, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from earlier corawnce, currantes, ellipsis from Middle English reysouns of corans, borrowed from Anglo-French raisins de Curance "raisins of Corinth," from Corinth, Greece

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing currant

• black currant
• red currant

Kids Definition

currant

noun

cur·​rant ˈkər-ənt 

ˈkə-rənt

1

: a small seedless raisin used in baking and cooking

2

: the acid edible fruit of several shrubs related to the gooseberries

also : a plant bearing currants

Etymology

from Middle English raison of Coraunte, literally, "raisin of Corinth," from Corinth, city in Greece from which it was exported