strawberry

noun

straw·​ber·​ry ˈstrȯ-ˌber-ē How to pronounce strawberry (audio)
-b(ə-)rē
often attributive
1
: the juicy edible usually red fruit of any of several low-growing temperate herbs (genus Fragaria) of the rose family that is technically an enlarged pulpy receptacle bearing numerous achenes on its surface
2
: a plant whose fruits are strawberries
especially : a hybrid (Fragaria ananassa) that is the source of most cultivated strawberries

Illustration of strawberry

Illustration of strawberry

Examples of strawberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Additions to the menu include alligator bites and sweet treats, including strawberry shortcake and turtle cheesecake, a decadent chocolate cake and, of course, beignets. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026 Knaus Berry Farm is visited by thousands of people each season, who stand in long lines for the finger-sticking cinnamon rolls, homemade pies and jams or the strawberry shakes, made from the strawberries grown in fields behind the market. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026 This flavor is made with in-season strawberries and packed with Graeter's dark chocolate chips. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026 The more virtuous may prefer the nonalcoholic Easter Egg Hunt mocktail, a mix of strawberry, coconut, pineapple, orange and butterfly pea tea ($12). Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strawberry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English strēawberige, from strēaw straw + berige berry; perhaps from the appearance of the achenes on the surface

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strawberry was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Strawberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strawberry. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

strawberry

noun
straw·​ber·​ry ˈstrȯ-ˌber-ē How to pronounce strawberry (audio)
-b(ə-)rē
: an edible juicy red fruit of a low-growing herb with white flowers and long slender runners
also : a plant that bears strawberries

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