blackberry

noun

black·​ber·​ry ˈblak-ˌber-ē How to pronounce blackberry (audio)
-ˌbe-rē
1
: the usually black or dark purple juicy but seedy edible aggregate fruit of various brambles (genus Rubus) of the rose family
2
: a plant that bears blackberries

Examples of blackberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though the plants are related, due to the risk of diseases spreading between them, it is not recommended to plant blackberries and raspberries closely together. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025 Starting November 4 at participating Whataburger locations, customers can enjoy the new Frosted Berry Whatafresher, a frosty drink blend featuring sweet blackberry flavor, including real blueberry bursties, and a cloud of cold whip. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025 Originally, the berry was an invention made by amateur farmer Rudolph Boysen, who cross-pollinated the blackberry, loganberry and raspberry while living in Napa County in the 1920s. Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 27 Oct. 2025 Some of the most popular choices include partridge pea, butterfly pea, ragweed, blackberry, pokeweed and American beautyberry, Edge said. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blackberry

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blackberry was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Blackberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blackberry. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

blackberry

noun
black·​ber·​ry ˈblak-ˌber-ē How to pronounce blackberry (audio)
1
: the usually black or dark purple juicy but seedy edible fruit of various prickly bushes
2
: a plant that bears blackberries

More from Merriam-Webster on blackberry

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