Illustration of elderberry
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
Examples of elderberry in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Guest pauses at an overlook and, with magician-like flair, offers fresh strawberries and fizzy water infused with elderberry from his backpack.
—
Danielle Hallock, AFAR Media, 5 June 2025
Plants like elderberry and echinacea are also used in immune system supplements.
—Katie Mogg, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
This blush formula blends brightening mulberry extract, alongside soothing elderberry and evening primrose extracts.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025
One cup of raw elderberries provides 52.2 milligrams of vitamin C (58% of the DV) and 10.2 grams of fiber (36% of the DV).29
11.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elderberry
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Danielle Hallock, AFAR Media, 5 June 2025
Plants like elderberry and echinacea are also used in immune system supplements.
—Katie Mogg, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
This blush formula blends brightening mulberry extract, alongside soothing elderberry and evening primrose extracts.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025
One cup of raw elderberries provides 52.2 milligrams of vitamin C (58% of the DV) and 10.2 grams of fiber (36% of the DV).29
11.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elderberry
Cite this Entry
“Elderberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elderberry. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share