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

Neutral Palettes: Opt for warm, earthy tones like oatmeal, berry, or elderberry to set a calming foundation for your interior. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Ingredient highlights include nourishing glycerin and antioxidant-loaded staples like licorice and elderberry extracts. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024

Though there is evidence that elderberry can shorten the duration and severity of viral respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu, there is no solid evidence that taking elderberry prevents disease.9 6. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024

Some of the most common ingredients in wellness shots include ginger, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, acerola cherry, elderberry, wheatgrass, and green tea. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 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