currant

noun

cur·​rant ˈkər-ənt 

ˈkə-rənt

1

: a small seedless raisin originally grown chiefly in the eastern Mediterranean

2

: the acid edible fruit of various shrubs (genus Ribes) placed in either the saxifrage or gooseberry family

also : a plant bearing currants

Examples of currant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Overall, currants and raisins have a similar nutritional profile (calories, fiber, sugars, etc.). —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 Sep. 2024

As a bonus, currant shrubs lack the thorns found on many other berry bushes. —Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2024

This version has appealing currant, raspberry and rhubarb flavors along with a delicate note of brown spice (cumin). —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

Miraval is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle, and brings out the red and black fruits of those varieties: strawberry, currants, raspberry, forest berries, along with some fleshy peach. —Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from earlier corawnce, currantes, ellipsis from Middle English reysouns of corans, borrowed from Anglo-French raisins de Curance "raisins of Corinth," from Corinth, Greece

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing currant

• black currant
• red currant

Kids Definition

currant

noun

cur·​rant ˈkər-ənt 

ˈkə-rənt

1

: a small seedless raisin used in baking and cooking

2

: the acid edible fruit of several shrubs related to the gooseberries

also : a plant bearing currants

Etymology

from Middle English raison of Coraunte, literally, "raisin of Corinth," from Corinth, city in Greece from which it was exported