elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-dər-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
ˈel-də-,
-ˌbe-rē
1
: the edible black or red berrylike drupe of any of a genus (Sambucus) of shrubs or trees of the honeysuckle family bearing flat clusters of small white or pink flowers
2
: a tree or shrub bearing elderberries

Illustration of elderberry

Illustration of elderberry

Examples of elderberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some people also take supplements like elderberry, vitamin C, vitamin D, or zinc to boost their immunity and help prevent illness.1112 While the cold and flu share many preventative measures, only the flu has a vaccine for treatment and prevention. Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 30 Oct. 2024 Some people believe that natural remedies, such as echinacea, vitamin C, probiotics, elderberry, ginseng, and zinc, may help to prevent or treat viral illnesses like colds and flu. Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024 Phenolic acids, anthocyanins and flavanol are powerful antioxidants found in elderberries, Hezer says. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024 Diners can choose between six bases and five proteins, customizing their meal with toppings like Osage hominy, roasted green chiles and elderberry vinaigrette. Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elderberry 

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elderberry was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near elderberry

Cite this Entry

“Elderberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderberry. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

elderberry

noun
el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
1
: the edible black or red fruit of any of a genus of shrubs or trees of the same family as the honeysuckles that produce flat clusters of small white or pink flowers
2
: any tree or shrub that produces elderberries

Medical Definition

elderberry

noun
el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē How to pronounce elderberry (audio)
plural elderberries
1
: the edible black or red berrylike drupe of a tree or shrub of the genus Sambucus that is eaten raw or processed into preserves or wines
2
: any tree or shrub of the genus Sambucus including several whose flowers or fruits were once considered to have medicinal properties see bourtree, sambucus sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on elderberry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!