elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-dər-ˌber-ē 

ˈel-də-, 

-ˌbe-rē

1

: the edible black or red berrylike drupe of any of a genus (Sambucus) of shrubs or trees of the honeysuckle family bearing flat clusters of small white or pink flowers

2

: a tree or shrub bearing elderberries

Illustration of elderberry

Examples of elderberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

American Elderberry American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is known for its flowers, foliage, and dark purple fall berries. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 6 Sep. 2026

This is because elderberries contain a high level of flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elderberry

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē 

1

: the edible black or red fruit of any of a genus of shrubs or trees of the same family as the honeysuckles that produce flat clusters of small white or pink flowers

2

: any tree or shrub that produces elderberries

Medical Definition

elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē 

plural elderberries

1

: the edible black or red berrylike drupe of a tree or shrub of the genus Sambucus that is eaten raw or processed into preserves or wines

2

: any tree or shrub of the genus Sambucus including several whose flowers or fruits were once considered to have medicinal properties see bourtree, sambucus sense 2