hackberry

noun

hack·​ber·​ry ˈhak-ˌber-ē How to pronounce hackberry (audio)
: any of a genus (Celtis) of trees and shrubs of the elm family with small often edible berries
also : its wood

Examples of hackberry 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.
There are two out-and-back trails, one to a bird pond ringed by willow, walnut and hackberry trees. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2024 The new set of trees that were planted a few weeks ago include hickory, hackberry, Kentucky coffee and tulip trees. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 24 May 2024 Big sycamore, cottonwood, willow, ash and hackberry trees grow along the river. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 The cabinet’s top and front are made from a composite, but the sides are local hackberry boards distinguished by a striking vertical crack. Jill Draper, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hackberry 

Word History

Etymology

alteration of hagberry a cherry resembling the chokecherry

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hackberry was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near hackberry

Cite this Entry

“Hackberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hackberry. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hackberry

noun
hack·​ber·​ry ˈhak-ˌber-ē How to pronounce hackberry (audio)
1
: any of a genus of trees and shrubs that are related to the elms and have small often edible berries
2
: the wood of a hackberry

More from Merriam-Webster on hackberry

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!