elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-dər-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
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

Illustration of elderberry

Examples of elderberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web All parts of the American elderberry, Sambucus nigra, including the berries, are toxic unless cooked. Sara Okeefe, The Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2024 My son comes to my home after work every night and pours me my elderberry wine. Mary G. Pepitone, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024 According to the brand, each is infused with a proprietary blend of artichoke leaves, elderberries, green tea leaves, and muscadine grapes. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2023 The allergy and immunity booster contains vitamins A, C, D3 & E as well as elderberry extract, omega fatty acids from salmon oil, glucosamine for joint health, biotin for healthy nails & fur, and prebiotics for digestive health. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2022 Merus 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (which includes 6 percent Petit Verdot) has a nose of elderberry, blackberry, and candied violet with a hint of charcuterie. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2024 Elderberry Helps Regulate Immune System Defenses Popular among wellness influencers on TikTok, elderberry may also pack a punch this cold and flu season. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Health, 29 Sep. 2023 Unfortunately, there was no evidence that elderberry could prevent or treat the viruses. Rachel Morgan Cautero, Parents, 27 Sep. 2023 The 264-page guide offers details on how to manage inevitable fire by designing gardens and wildlife habitats as a defensive space with the careful placement of native plants. instead of invasive butterfly bush, the authors recommend planting mock orange, red-flowering currant or blue elderberry. Jeastman, oregonlive, 11 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elderberry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elderberry was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near elderberry

Cite this Entry

“Elderberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderberry. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

elderberry

noun
el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
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 How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on elderberry

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