serviceberry

noun

ser·​vice·​ber·​ry ˈsər-vəs-ˌber-ē 

 also  ˈsär-

1

: the edible purple or red fruit of any of various North American trees or shrubs (genus Amelanchier) of the rose family

2

: a tree or shrub that produces serviceberries and has showy white flowers in the spring

called also Juneberry, shadblow, shadbush

Examples of serviceberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Go for a dwarf or semi-dwarf plant, like an elegant mountain stewartia or a serviceberry, for a pop of color. —Aksha Mittapalli, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2024

Those who are dairy-free should try the seasonal sorbets, like peach or saskatoon (also known as serviceberry). —Stacey Nield Brugeman, New York Times, 24 May 2024

In addition to showcasing some of the state’s most stunning blooms in an authentic Japanese setting, the Richard & Helen Devos Japanese Garden has a contemplative Zen-style garden, waterfalls, bonsai trees, Japanese maple trees, and serviceberry trees — the latter also bloom in spring. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2024

Even better, new serviceberry and huckleberry bushes had sprouted in the stirred earth, providing bears cover and fruit. —Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

service entry 4 + berry entry 1

Note: Note that the name serviceberry refers to a North American plant (Amelanchier) of a different genus than the plant denoted by service in Europe (genus Sorbus).

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

serviceberry

noun

ser·​vice·​ber·​ry ˈsər-vəs-ˌber-ē 

 also  ˈsär-

1

: any of various North American trees or shrubs related to the roses that are sometimes grown for their showy white flowers and edible purplish to red fruit

called also Juneberry, shadbush

2

: the fruit of a serviceberry