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

There’s also a chance to see a variety of wildlife and plants like the blue elderberry, willow and sugar bush. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Dec. 2025

About 35 people joined the initial planting of native species such as black elderberry, ninebark and marsh baccharis. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 15 Dec. 2025

Wellness offerings include Breathe EZ ($19-22) with a combination of peppermint and ecualyptus, and ImmuniTea, made of elderberry, echinacea and sage ($20-25), to name a few options. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 14 Dec. 2025

Most research indicates that elderberry does not consistently lower blood sugar levels. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 12 Dec. 2025

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