American beautyberry

noun

: a shrub (Callicarpa americana) native to the southern U.S. and West Indies that has clusters of small, usually pink flowers and purple berries and is often used as an ornamental

The native American beautyberry comes to life, maturing bright purple clusters of pea-size fruits along the stems.

—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Sept. 1995

called also beautyberry, French mulberry

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!