noun
blackcurrant
BLAK-kur-unt
Blackcurrant (noun) means a bushy shrub grown for its tart, near-black berries. Example: “We planted a blackcurrant by the back fence.”
noun
1
A bushy shrub grown for its tart, near-black berries.
"We planted a blackcurrant by the back fence."
"The blackcurrant needs regular pruning to fruit well."
2
The small, dark purple berry that grows on this shrub.
"She stirred a spoonful of blackcurrant jam into her yoghurt."
"Blackcurrants are quite sharp when eaten raw."
"He ordered a lemonade with a dash of blackcurrant."
How to use blackcurrant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, dark purple berry, or the bush it grows on.
When to use it
It is an everyday word, written as one word in British English.
Memory tip
In drinks, people often shorten it to black, as in a lager and black.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
blackcurrant jam
blackcurrant bush
blackcurrant squash
blackcurrant juice
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like blackcurrant.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We planted a _____ by the back fence.
Etymology
The word is a compound of black and currant.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
Is blackcurrant one word or two?
Blackcurrant is the usual British spelling as one word. Black currant and black-currant are also found.
What is the scientific name for the blackcurrant?
The blackcurrant shrub is Ribes nigrum.
Can you eat blackcurrants?
Yes, the berries are edible. They are small, dark and quite sharp when raw.
What is the meaning of blackcurrant?
"blackcurrant" (noun) means a bushy shrub grown for its tart, near-black berries.
