barberry

noun

bar·​ber·​ry ˈbär-ˌber-ē 

-ˌbe-rē

: any of a genus (Berberis of the family Berberidaceae, the barberry family) of shrubs usually having spines, usually yellow flowers, and oblong red or blackish berries

Examples of barberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Along with its star exfoliant, this micro-fine mist also treats your skin with barberry and licorice extracts, which are rich in brightening antioxidants to minimize skin discoloration. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Nov. 2024

Nandina belongs to the barberry family but is reminiscent of bamboo in its lightly branched, canelike stems and delicate, fine texture foliage. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2024

Adding northern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla) to your landscape does not pose a threat like barberry and honeysuckle. —Melinda Myers, Journal Sentinel, 14 June 2024

Answer: Both Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera) rapidly reproduce, creating dense stands of these invasive plants. —Melinda Myers, Journal Sentinel, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English berberie, from Medieval Latin berberis, from Arabic barbārīs

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

barberry

noun

bar·​ber·​ry ˈbär-ˌber-ē 

: any of a genus of spiny yellow-flowered shrubs with bright red or blackish berries

Medical Definition

barberry

noun

bar·​ber·​ry

ˈbär-ˌber-ē, British often & US sometimes -b(ə-)rē

plural barberries

1

: any shrub of the genus Berberis

2

a

: an evergreen shrub of the genus Mahonia (especially M. aquifolium)

b

: berberis sense 2