elderflower

noun

el·​der·​flow·​er ˈel-dər-ˌflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce elderflower (audio)
: the flower of an elderberry (such as Sambucus nigra) used especially in making wines, liqueurs, and teas
On its own, this 40-proof liqueur, said to be the first made from fresh elderflowers hand-picked in the Alps and macerated in eau de vie, is pretty intense unless it's cut with ice and a splash of soda.Florence Fabricant
… Percy heaved an impressive sigh and took a deep swig of elderflower wine …J. K. Rowling

Examples of elderflower 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.
What to order: Daniela From Puebla — mezcal, elderflower liqueur, blueberry puree, lemon and mint. Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025 To romanticize the European-coast drink for your Galentine's Day spread, begin by adding 1/4 cup of raspberries and two ounces of elderflower liqueur to a wine glass. Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2025 Fun fact: elderflower, which is used in the popular liqueur St. Germain, comes from the same Sambucus nigra plant—but unlike elderberry, elderflower isn’t known to be nutrient-dense. Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025 The tree also contains elderflowers, where the berries are found in bunches.67 In folk medicine, elderberry has been used to treat colds and flu. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 1 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elderflower

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elderflower was in 1562

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Cite this Entry

“Elderflower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderflower. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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