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

Dried cranberries contain several nutrients and compounds that are beneficial for your health. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 5 Dec. 2025

These creamy, sweet desserts are perfect for meeting your holiday cranberry quota. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025

The area is also known for its cranberry production, with the Pacific Coast Cranberry Research Foundation's Cranberry Museum in Long Beach and harvest festivals in October. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025

And while autumnal burgundy and trendy cranberry nails have had their time in the spotlight, the start of winter the perfect time to test drive a richer shade. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 3 Dec. 2025

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