hackberry

noun

hack·​ber·​ry ˈhak-ˌber-ē 

: any of a genus (Celtis) of trees and shrubs of the elm family with small often edible berries

also : its wood

Examples of hackberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are two out-and-back trails, one to a bird pond ringed by willow, walnut and hackberry trees. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 5 Sep. 2024

The new set of trees that were planted a few weeks ago include hickory, hackberry, Kentucky coffee and tulip trees. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 24 May 2024

Big sycamore, cottonwood, willow, ash and hackberry trees grow along the river. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024

The cabinet’s top and front are made from a composite, but the sides are local hackberry boards distinguished by a striking vertical crack. —Jill Draper, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of hagberry a cherry resembling the chokecherry

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hackberry

noun

hack·​ber·​ry ˈhak-ˌber-ē 

1

: any of a genus of trees and shrubs that are related to the elms and have small often edible berries

2

: the wood of a hackberry