currant

noun

cur·​rant ˈkər-ənt How to pronounce currant (audio)
ˈkə-rənt
1
: a small seedless raisin originally grown chiefly in the eastern Mediterranean
2
: the acid edible fruit of various shrubs (genus Ribes) placed in either the saxifrage or gooseberry family
also : a plant bearing currants

Examples of currant 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.
Honey and berries like currants, chokeberries, and blueberries add sweetness. Michael Shaikh june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025 The line will be available in four mood-enhancing scents backed by neuroscience: Calm (eucalyptus amber), Revive (neroli dew), Bright (citrus currant) and Renew (jasmine bergamot). Emily Burns, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 Aromas of more cherry, currant, thyme and allspice. Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Aromas of morel cherry, currant, red plum, a hint of molasses and Oriental spice. Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for currant

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from earlier corawnce, currantes, ellipsis from Middle English reysouns of corans, borrowed from Anglo-French raisins de Curance "raisins of Corinth," from Corinth, Greece

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of currant was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Currant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/currant. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

currant

noun
cur·​rant ˈkər-ənt How to pronounce currant (audio)
ˈkə-rənt
1
: a small seedless raisin used in baking and cooking
2
: the acid edible fruit of several shrubs related to the gooseberries
also : a plant bearing currants
Etymology

from Middle English raison of Coraunte, literally, "raisin of Corinth," from Corinth, city in Greece from which it was exported

More from Merriam-Webster on currant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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