noun

serviceberry

SUR-viss-ber-ee

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Serviceberry (noun) means In Europe, a tree of the genus Sorbus, or the small fruit it produces. Example: “The old orchard had a serviceberry tree at its edge.”

noun

regional In Europe, a tree of the genus Sorbus, or the small fruit it produces.

"The old orchard had a serviceberry tree at its edge."

"She made jam from the tart serviceberries she picked in autumn."

"Serviceberry trees are sometimes planted for their attractive blossom."

regional In Canada and the United States, a small deciduous tree or shrub of the genus Amelanchier, or its edible berry.

"We picked serviceberries along the trail in early summer."

"The serviceberry in the front garden bloomed with white flowers in spring."

"Serviceberry pies are a local favourite where the shrubs grow wild."

How to use serviceberry

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishServiceberry is a name for small edible berries from certain trees, though which tree depends on where you are.

When to use it

The name refers to different plants in Europe compared with North America, so context matters.

Memory tip

Despite its spelling, the service in serviceberry has nothing to do with helping or serving.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

serviceberry tree serviceberry jam wild serviceberries serviceberry 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 “serviceberry” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old orchard had a _____ tree at its edge.

Etymology

The word combines berry with service, though this service is not the everyday word for assistance. It instead traces back to the Latin sorbus, the name for the sorb tree.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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service tree saskatoon juneberry shadbush

Rhymes for serviceberry

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

See all rhymes for serviceberry →

Frequently asked questions

Is serviceberry the same plant everywhere?

No, in Europe it refers to trees of the genus Sorbus, while in Canada and the US it refers to a different genus, Amelanchier.

Can you eat serviceberries?

Yes, both the European Sorbus berries and the North American Amelanchier berries are eaten.

What other names does serviceberry go by?

In North America it is also known as saskatoon, juneberry, or shadbush, among other names.

What is the meaning of serviceberry?

"serviceberry" (noun) means in Europe, a tree of the genus Sorbus, or the small fruit it produces.