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

Some of DeLuca's favorite trees and shrubs for birds include dogwoods, willows, ninebarks, and elderberry. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 May 2026

This formula also contains green coffee and elderberry extract, plus jojoba oil, which is used in many skincare products to help hydrate and smooth skin. — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 7 July 2026

Catbirds build nests on horizontal branches hidden in dense shrubs, small trees or vines, including dogwood, elderberry, hawthorn and honeysuckle. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

The plants include salvias, black lace elderberry, French lavender, coast goldenrod, a fig tree, pomegranate, deer grass, and a phenomenal mulberry tree that was grown from a slip. — Molly McCrea, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elderberry

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

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