raspberry

noun

rasp·​ber·​ry ˈraz-ˌber-ē 

-b(ə-)rē

1

a

: any of various usually black or red edible berries that are aggregate fruits consisting of numerous small drupes on a fleshy receptacle and that are usually rounder and smaller than the closely related blackberries

b

: a perennial plant (genus Rubus) of the rose family that bears raspberries

2

[short for raspberry tart, rhyming slang for fart] : a sound of contempt made by protruding the tongue between the lips and expelling air forcibly to produce a vibration

broadly : an expression of disapproval or contempt

Illustration of raspberry

Synonyms

• bird [chiefly British]
• boo
• Bronx cheer
• catcall
• hiss
• hoot
• jeer
• razz
• snort

Examples of raspberry in a Sentence

One of the children made a raspberry at him.

there were raspberries from the audience when the hapless actress kept forgetting her lines

Recent Examples on the Web

Slather yourself in a fluffy throw, sip a green tea, and graze on strawberry sorbet with frozen raspberries and blueberries. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Fresh fruit typically has a short shelf life, with fruits like raspberries usually lasting only three days in the refrigerator. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 3 Dec. 2024

It’s made from pebbled leather and is available in several colors, including bold raspberry and classic ivory. —Bianca Pineda, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2024

For a touch of depth, layer it with Byredo’s Gypsy Water, whose woody juniper and sandalwood accents lend a grounding effect to Berry Bonbon’s playful raspberry and pistachio notes. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

English dialect rasp raspberry + English berry

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing raspberry

• black raspberry

Kids Definition

raspberry

noun

rasp·​ber·​ry ˈraz-ˌber-ē 

-b(ə-)rē

1

a

: any of various black or red edible berries that are rounder and smaller than the related blackberries

b

: a usually prickly plant that produces raspberries

2

: a sound of scorn made by sticking out the tongue and blowing hard so as to make it vibrate