elderflower

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

Updated on: 21 May 2018

Definition of elderflower

: 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

Recent Examples of elderflower from the Web

Guests will also receive a lemon elderflower cake, just like Prince Harry and Markle.

— Fox News, "Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's royal wedding celebrated around world with extravagant, over-the-top parties," 17 May 2018
The wedding cake will be lemon elderflower instead of the traditional fruitcake (big thumbs from me on that choice).

— lisa cianci, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Royal wedding: Must-see TV — or not worth waking up early?," 17 May 2018
The couple has also already picked out their wedding cake: trendy lemon elderflower cake from London pastry chef Claire Ptak.

— lisa ryan, The Cut, "Everything You Need to Know About Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Wedding," 16 May 2018
Ptak, the baker of the royal wedding cake, will whip up a special lemon-elderflower confection with fresh flower garnishes, a fancy feat you likely won't replicate at home anytime soon.

— Southern Living, "The Royal Wedding Pastry Chef Has a Genius Tip to Save Day-Old Cookies," 15 May 2018
That in mind, the decision to have an ice cream truck again is more or less for the same reason, and the frozen dessert will surely pair nicely with the lemon elderflower cake being served at Meghan and Harry’s reception.

— refinery29.com, "Harry & Meghan Will Have Food Trucks At The Royal Wedding Because Why Not?," 13 May 2018
Ptak will make a lemon elderflower cake covered in buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers.

— megan friedman, Good Housekeeping, "How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Lemon Elderflower Wedding Cake Breaks Tradition," 20 Mar. 2018
Hotel pastry chef Mark Slessor and his team are creating a lemon elderflower cake, which is rumored to be the Royal Couple's flavor choice.

— detroit free press staff, Detroit Free Press, "Watch the royal wedding in British high style at this Oakland County hotel," 3 May 2018
On Friday, May 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., meet the artist, enjoy her colorful works and discuss her passion for painting while sampling an elderflower spritzer and spring treats.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Windsor Locks Edition," 1 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elderflower.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.