cranberry

noun

cran·​ber·​ry ˈkran-ˌber-ē 

-ˌbe-rē, 

-b(ə-)rē

1

: the red acid berry produced by some plants (such as Vaccinium oxycoccos and V. macrocarpon) of the heath family

also : a plant producing these

2

: any of various plants with a fruit that resembles a cranberry

3

: a dark red

Examples of cranberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The sherbet-like balm melts into a silky oil that dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s buildup, while olive and jojoba oils and antioxidant-rich acerola, cranberry, and pomegranate extracts leave skin feeling soft and refreshed. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026

Striking polka dahlias with cream petals edged in cranberry and fluffy yellow centers brought bursts of color to the ballroom. — Paul Chi, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2026

Research shows that adding protein powder to acidic juice, such as cranberry juice, affects how your body digests and uses protein. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2026

Aera’s highest heel ever, a sculptural sandal in green, cranberry and black, with a 105mm heel. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of Low German kraanbere, from kraan crane + bere berry

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cranberry

• cranberry bush
• highbush cranberry
• mountain cranberry

Rhymes for cranberry

• askari
• astbury
• azeri
• banbury
• barberry
• blackberry
• blueberry
• canary
• dentary
• dewberry
• dogberry
• equerry

Kids Definition

cranberry

noun

cran·​ber·​ry ˈkran-ˌber-ē 

-b(ə-)rē

: the bright red sour berry of any of several trailing plants related to the blueberry

also : a plant producing these