elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-dər-ˌber-ē 

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

Examples of elderberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Be prepared for some competition; elderberries are a favorite of warblers, orioles, tanagers, and catbirds. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

Some people also take supplements like elderberry, vitamin C, vitamin D, or zinc to boost their immunity and help prevent illness.1112 While the cold and flu share many preventative measures, only the flu has a vaccine for treatment and prevention. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Some people believe that natural remedies, such as echinacea, vitamin C, probiotics, elderberry, ginseng, and zinc, may help to prevent or treat viral illnesses like colds and flu. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024

Phenolic acids, anthocyanins and flavanol are powerful antioxidants found in elderberries, Hezer says. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē 

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 

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