elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-dər-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
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

Illustration of elderberry

Examples of elderberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Botanical Name: Citrus × macrocarpa Sun Exposure: Full Sun to partial shade Soil Type: Moist, Well-draining Soil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.5 to 7.0) Elderberry Grow elderberries, also known as American Elder or Common Elderberry, for tiny dark purple or bluish berries that grow in clusters. Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025 Mama Bear kids elderberry gummies use the natural effects of elderberries, paired with zinc and essential vitamins to keep your kids’ immune systems up and running. Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 25 Mar. 2025 The Bulleit Bourbon Austin Calling enticed with notes of elderberry, while the Bulleit Rye Wildcard had the perfect balance of basil and strawberry. Evan Burke, Billboard, 20 Mar. 2025 The benefits of elderberry include anti-inflammatory properties that can help quell coughing. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elderberry

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elderberry was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Elderberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderberry. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

elderberry

noun
el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
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 How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on elderberry

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