lingonberry

noun

ling·​on·​ber·​ry ˈliŋ-ən-ˌber-ē 

: a low-growing, evergreen shrub (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) of cooler, northern regions of North America and Europe that has leathery, oval leaves, white or light pink, bell-shaped, nodding flowers and red berries and is related to the blueberry and cranberry

also : the fruit of the lingonberry that resembles a cranberry in size and tart flavor and may be eaten raw but is often used in jams, syrups, baked goods, ice cream, juices, and wine and is sometimes pickled see mountain cranberry

Examples of lingonberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The retailer's traditional feast offers a variety of Swedish favorites, including the brand’s iconic meatballs (and their vegetarian alternative), salmon, lingonberry jam, herring, and crispbread, among dozens of other traditional Swedish appetizers and entrees. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Nov. 2025

They’re paired with Scandinavian berry oils (cloudberry, lingonberry, and elderberry), packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids for deep moisture without the heaviness. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Nov. 2025

The Norwegian Lutheran university is well-known for its choir, whose Christmastime concert is the feature of the annual Christmasfest, which also includes traditional Lutheran foods—like the delicious Lefse with lingonberry jam and less delicious gelatinous whitefish dish Lutefisk. —Emma Whitford, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Meals are served in the main lodge by the warmth of two fireplaces and are a celebration of local fare with ingredients like arctic char, moose, bear, reindeer, cloudberries, spruce, and lingonberries. —Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Swedish lingon lingonberry; akin to Old Norse lyng ling

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lingonberry

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary