gooseberry

noun

goose·​ber·​ry ˈgüs-ˌber-ē 

ˈgüz-,

-b(ə-)rē,

 chiefly British  ˈgu̇z-

1

a

: the acid usually prickly fruit of any of several shrubs (genus Ribes, especially R. hirtellum of the U.S. and R. uva-crispa of Europe) grouped especially formerly in the saxifrage family but now often placed in a separate family (Grossulariaceae, the gooseberry family)

b

: a shrub bearing gooseberries

2

: currant sense 2

Illustration of gooseberry

• leaves and fruit

Examples of gooseberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Crying Tiger Seared Tuna features avocado salad and pickled gooseberries, while the Walnut Shrimp balances candied walnuts and walnut aioli with radish. —Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

Rounded, buoyant, fulfilling, powerful and balanced aromas of limes, gooseberries and guavas, white pears and nectarines. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Two of the most popular entrées ordered are halibut grilled with gooseberry masala and rice dumplings in coconut milk with chicken curry. —Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Other sections grow medicinal plants, such as rose mallow used to treat digestion issues and master wort for muscle cramps; as well as produce such as wild strawberries, gooseberries; raspberries, string beans, kale, kohlrabi and carrots, as well as aromatic herbs. —Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing gooseberry

• Cape gooseberry
• Chinese gooseberry

Rhymes for gooseberry

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

Kids Definition

gooseberry

noun

goose·​ber·​ry ˈgüs-ˌber-ē 

ˈgüz-

: the acid usually prickly fruit of any of several shrubs related to the currant