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

This shift inspires a fresh collection of cocktail ideas, artfully blending vibrant summer fruits like pineapple, peach, and grapefruit with autumnal notes of cranberry and maraschino cherry. — John Kell, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Hibiscus has a bright, tart, almost cranberry-like taste that feels refreshing, especially over ice. — Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 17 Aug. 2026

The key to this cosmo recipe is using the right cranberry juice. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

Pineapple or cranberry juice can stand in for blueberry to switch up the flavor. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 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