currant

noun

cur·​rant ˈkər-ənt 

ˈkə-rənt

1

: a small seedless raisin originally grown chiefly in the eastern Mediterranean

2

: the acid edible fruit of various shrubs (genus Ribes) placed in either the saxifrage or gooseberry family

also : a plant bearing currants

Examples of currant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Add currants and stir well; return seared chicken (skin-side up) in single layer, pushing them down into the rice. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2025

Honey and berries like currants, chokeberries, and blueberries add sweetness. —Michael Shaikh june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025

The line will be available in four mood-enhancing scents backed by neuroscience: Calm (eucalyptus amber), Revive (neroli dew), Bright (citrus currant) and Renew (jasmine bergamot). —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Aromas of more cherry, currant, thyme and allspice. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from earlier corawnce, currantes, ellipsis from Middle English reysouns of corans, borrowed from Anglo-French raisins de Curance "raisins of Corinth," from Corinth, Greece

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing currant

• black currant
• red currant

Kids Definition

currant

noun

cur·​rant ˈkər-ənt 

ˈkə-rənt

1

: a small seedless raisin used in baking and cooking

2

: the acid edible fruit of several shrubs related to the gooseberries

also : a plant bearing currants

Etymology

from Middle English raison of Coraunte, literally, "raisin of Corinth," from Corinth, city in Greece from which it was exported