elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-dər-ˌber-ē 

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

Examples of elderberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Honey, peppermint, licorice root, elderberry, ginger, and green tea can loosen mucus and help relieve a nagging cough. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

Ornamental offerings include flowering dogwood, persimmon, serviceberry and elderberry. —Jason Clayworth, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025

Cranberry, ginger, and elderberry add a citrus twist, while blue agave keeps things slightly sweet. —Sarah Felbin, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025

But does elderberry truly help with cold and flu symptoms? —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for elderberry

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

elderberry

noun

el·​der·​ber·​ry ˈel-də(r)-ˌber-ē 

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 

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