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

The ingredients varied by region, from elk to rabbit to eel, and from chokecherries to saskatoons to currants—but the finished product packed far more calories than meat alone. —Diana Spechler, Saveur, 6 Nov. 2025

Mail-order nurseries typically ship bare-root gooseberries and currants for spring planting. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025

Grapes, raisins, and currants have been linked to kidney failure in some felines, even in small amounts. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

Initially released in four flavors (strawberry, blueberry, brown sugar/cinnamon and apple currant), Pop-Tarts were an instant hit and have since become a staple in American breakfast culture. —Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 14 Sep. 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