cranberry

noun

cran·​ber·​ry ˈkran-ˌber-ē 

-ˌbe-rē, 

-b(ə-)rē

1

: the red acid berry produced by some plants (such as Vaccinium oxycoccos and V. macrocarpon) of the heath family

also : a plant producing these

2

: any of various plants with a fruit that resembles a cranberry

3

: a dark red

Examples of cranberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sweet sauces like honey mustard or cranberry spread can increase the spike. — Verywell Health, 6 July 2026

The formula also includes antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and cranberry fruit extract that help to brighten, hydrate, and protect your skin from environmental damage. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 1 July 2026

Nseyo says cranberries are shown to help with UTI prevention. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Come the holidays, seasonal favorites such as cranberry salad, sweet potato casserole, and cornbread dressing fly off the shelves. — Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 27 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of Low German kraanbere, from kraan crane + bere berry

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cranberry

• cranberry bush
• highbush cranberry
• mountain cranberry

Rhymes for cranberry

• askari
• astbury
• azeri
• banbury
• barberry
• blackberry
• blueberry
• canary
• dentary
• dewberry
• dogberry
• equerry

Kids Definition

cranberry

noun

cran·​ber·​ry ˈkran-ˌber-ē 

-b(ə-)rē

: the bright red sour berry of any of several trailing plants related to the blueberry

also : a plant producing these