elderberry
2 synonyms for elderberry, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A shrub or small tree of the genus Sambucus.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
bourtree
How to use elderberry
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
elderberry syrup
elderberry cordial
pick elderberries
elderberry wine
It is an ordinary, everyday word used in gardening and cooking contexts.
Etymology
The word joins elder, the name of the tree, with berry, referring to its fruit.
Full origin of elderberry →Frequently asked questions
What does elderberry mean?
It refers both to the elder shrub or tree itself and to its small dark purple fruit.
What is elderberry used for?
The fruit is commonly used in cooking and in flavouring drinks such as cordial and wine.
Is elderberry the same as elder?
Elder is a synonym for the plant itself, while elderberry can mean either the plant or specifically its fruit.
