elderflower

noun

el·​der·​flow·​er ˈel-dər-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: the flower of an elderberry (such as Sambucus nigra) used especially in making wines, liqueurs, and teas

On its own, this 40-proof liqueur, said to be the first made from fresh elderflowers hand-picked in the Alps and macerated in eau de vie, is pretty intense unless it's cut with ice and a splash of soda.

—Florence Fabricant

… Percy heaved an impressive sigh and took a deep swig of elderflower wine …

—J. K. Rowling

Examples of elderflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tasting Notes: Nose: Honey, elderflower, Scottish tablet and malty tones. —Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

So, to that end, here are three local products that mix especially well with premium tonic, anything from bitter lemon to elderflower. —Jeff Burkhart, Mercury News, 11 June 2025

Bartenders have started adapting the original recipe (gin, elderflower liqueur, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit juice and bitters) by topping it with tonic or pét-nat for a sparkling finish. —Rachel King, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

With notes of lemon, peach, black tea, and a blend of botanical extracts like elderflower, basil,… RIDE Ural Anyone with a shred of sense knows that at some point in the not-too-distant future the world is going to end. —Jeanne Malle, Air Mail, 17 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for elderflower

• candlepower
• cauliflower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower