elderberry

/ˌɛldərˈbɛri/

/ˈɛldəbɛri/

Other forms: elderberries

The elderberry did not get its name for being old and wise. Instead, this tiny black fruit was named after the plant it comes from, and is often used to make jams and drinks.

The elderberry is the dark purple fruit of the elder tree, found mainly in Europe and Asia. These berries are cherished for making delicious jams and syrups. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, elderberries also offer numerous health benefits; however, it's important to cook them before eating, as raw elderberries can be toxic. The elder tree also produces beautiful white flowers, which are often used to make teas and other refreshing beverages.

Definitions of elderberry

1. noun

   a common shrub with black fruit or a small tree of Europe and Asia; fruit used for wines and jellies
   synonyms: European elder, Sambucus nigra, black elder, bourtree, common elder

   type of:

   elder, elderberry bush

   any of numerous shrubs or small trees of temperate and subtropical northern hemisphere having white flowers and berrylike fruit
2. noun

   berrylike fruit of an elder used for e.g. wines and jellies
   type of:

   edible fruit

   edible reproductive body of a seed plant especially one having sweet flesh

   drupe, stone fruit

   fleshy indehiscent fruit with a single seed: e.g. almond; peach; plum; cherry; elderberry; olive; jujube