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

For a colorful presentation, garnish with kumquats, currants, and fresh mint sprigs. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026

Add oats, almonds, seeds, coconut, raisins or currants, mango, and papaya, and beat to combine. —Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine vinegar and currants; set aside. —Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2026

In the valley there were no houses, no traces of humanity, not a single clump of nettles or wild currant bush was growing. —Literary Hub, 2 Dec. 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