gooseberry

noun

goose·​ber·​ry ˈgüs-ˌber-ē 

ˈgüz-, 

-b(ə-)rē

chiefly British ˈgu̇z-

1

a

: the acid usually prickly fruit of any of several shrubs (genus Ribes, especially R. hirtellum of the U.S. and R. uva-crispa of Europe) grouped especially formerly in the saxifrage family but now often placed in a separate family (Grossulariaceae, the gooseberry family)

b

: a shrub bearing gooseberries

2

: currant sense 2

Illustration of gooseberry

• leaves and fruit

Examples of gooseberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Staying true to its South Asian roots, key ingredients include amla fruit extract (more commonly known as Indian gooseberry oil), which is rich in vitamin C to brighten bouts of hyperpigmentation and protect skin against free radicals (which can fast-track signs of aging). — Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026

Brewers value New Zealand hops for their citrus, tropical fruit, white wine, and gooseberry flavors, and the Nelson-Tasman area is the country’s main hop region. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Geographically, the food is New Nordic, with touches of gooseberry, rye and glittery golden vendace roe from the Baltic Sea. — Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Later, those fully mature gooseberries can be harvested and eaten fresh or made into pies. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing gooseberry

• Cape gooseberry
• Chinese gooseberry

Rhymes for gooseberry

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

Kids Definition

gooseberry

noun

goose·​ber·​ry ˈgüs-ˌber-ē 

ˈgüz-

: the acid usually prickly fruit of any of several shrubs related to the currant