bilberry

noun

bil·ber·ry | \ ˈbil-ˌber-ē

, -ˌbe-rē \

Definition of bilberry

1 : a low-growing, erect, Eurasian shrub (Vaccinium myrtillus) having blue or bluish-black fruits that resemble blueberries but are borne singly rather than in clusters

2 : the sweet, edible fruit of the bilberry used especially in pies and jams also : the dried fruit or an extract of this fruit used as an herbal remedy

Note: Both the plant and its fruit are also called whortleberry and (chiefly Scottish) blaeberry.

3 : any of several related plants (such as Vaccinium caespitosum) or their fruit

Examples of bilberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each single-use pad contains 10% glycolic acid, as well as salicylic acid, vitamin K, bilberry and chamomile. — Mackenzie Wagoner, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2020 The last ingredient is an anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract, which Elysium suggests will provide additional complementary cognitive benefits. — Good Housekeeping Editors, Good Housekeeping, 15 June 2020 In October the colors of the tundra shift, the rainfall changing the bilberry ground cover plants to red and the mosses to green. — National Geographic, 7 Jan. 2020 Don’t miss the chance to go for a hike in one of the country’s national parks: July is when berry-picking season begins, and the hedgerows burst with bilberries and cloudberries. — Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2019 Prism is a featherlight, essence-like elixir, made with all-natural fruit acids (malic acid from apple, salicylic acid from willow bark, glycolic acid from bilberry, vitamin C from kakadu plum, and orange peel) to gently exfoliate the skin. — Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bilberry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Bilberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bilberry. Accessed 16 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for bilberry

bilberry

noun

bil·ber·ry | \ ˈbil-ˌber-ē

plural bilberries

Medical Definition of bilberry

1 : a low-growing, erect, Eurasian shrub (Vaccinium myrtillus) having blue or bluish black fruits that resemble blueberries but are borne singly rather than in clusters

2 : the sweet, edible fruit of the bilberry also : the dried fruit or an extract of this fruit used as an herbal remedy