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

On the empty western Peloponnese coast, Nikos Karaflos turned a former currant winery into the Dexamenes Seaside Hotel. —Yulia Denisyuk, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2026

In fact, the most colorful man in the room might have been Jackson himself, who had on a jacket in a rich currant shade. —Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026

Lower in alcohol and markedly less sweet than most European counterparts, this aperitif is quite fresh, with peppery notes of eucalyptus and a pleasantly tart currant flavor. —Jerry & Krista Slater, AJC.com, 12 Apr. 2026

Entrées feature cacio e pepe lumache, beef tenderloin with chimichurri, shakshuka in vadouvan tomato sauce, and Bengali potatoes with currant and poblano chutney. —Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026

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