noun

barberry

BAR-buh-ree

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Barberry (noun) means a barberry is any of the thorny shrubs of the genus Berberis, which have yellow flowers and red or blue-black berries. Example: “A row of barberry grew along the edge of the garden.”

noun

A barberry is any of the thorny shrubs of the genus Berberis, which have yellow flowers and red or blue-black berries.

"A row of barberry grew along the edge of the garden."

"The barberry's yellow flowers attract bees in spring."

"Gardeners often plant barberry as a hedge because of its thorns."

A barberry is also the edible fruit of one of these shrubs.

"She added dried barberries to the rice dish."

"Barberries have a sharp, tart flavour."

"The birds stripped the bush of its barberries by autumn."

How to use barberry

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBarberry is a thorny shrub with yellow flowers, and its name also covers the tart red or dark berries it produces.

When to use it

Barberry is an ordinary, neutral word used in gardening and cooking contexts.

Memory tip

Barberry can refer to the shrub itself or just its fruit, so notice which one is meant.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a barberry hedge dried barberries a sprig of barberry barberry bush

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “barberry” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A row of _____ grew along the edge of the garden.

Etymology

Barberry comes from the Middle English word berberie, which traces back to the Medieval Latin berberis, itself connected to an Arabic word for the plant. Its form was also shaped by the English word berry. It is closely related to the word berberis.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Synonyms

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berberis

Rhymes for barberry

berry Kerry ferry Jerry merry terry perry Derry Gerry cherry sherry bilberry

See all rhymes for barberry →

Frequently asked questions

What is a barberry?

A barberry is a thorny shrub of the genus Berberis, or the small tart berry it produces.

Can you eat barberries?

Yes, the berries from barberry shrubs are edible and are often used dried in cooking.

What colour are barberry flowers and fruit?

Barberry shrubs have yellow flowers and berries that are red or blue-black.

What is the meaning of barberry?

"barberry" (noun) means a barberry is any of the thorny shrubs of the genus Berberis, which have yellow flowers and red or blue-black berries.