elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-dər-ˌber-ē 

ˈel-də-, 

-ˌbe-rē

1

: the edible black or red berrylike drupe of any of a genus (Sambucus) of shrubs or trees of the honeysuckle family bearing flat clusters of small white or pink flowers

2

: a tree or shrub bearing elderberries

Illustration of elderberry

Examples of elderberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Be prepared for some competition; elderberries are a favorite of warblers, orioles, tanagers, and catbirds. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026

Elderberry Some Flintstones vitamins are made with elderberry extract. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

Research that investigated elderberry juice's effect on the gut microbiome also looked into its effect on fat oxidation, or the body's burning of fat. —Julia Landwehr, Health, 3 Feb. 2026

The gummies are similarly pomegranate-flavored, an ingredient that’s joined by superfruits like strawberry, tart cherry, elderberry, and blueberry. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elderberry

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē 

1

: the edible black or red fruit of any of a genus of shrubs or trees of the same family as the honeysuckles that produce flat clusters of small white or pink flowers

2

: any tree or shrub that produces elderberries

Medical Definition

elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē 

plural elderberries

1

: the edible black or red berrylike drupe of a tree or shrub of the genus Sambucus that is eaten raw or processed into preserves or wines

2

: any tree or shrub of the genus Sambucus including several whose flowers or fruits were once considered to have medicinal properties see bourtree, sambucus sense 2