# elderberry

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɛldə(ɹ)ˌbɛɹi/ · frequency rank #81,295

## Definitions
1. Any shrub or tree of the genus Sambucus;
2. The small, edible, purplish-black fruit of this plant, used in cooking and to flavour drinks etc.

## Etymology
Etymology tree
Middle English eldre
English elder
Proto-Germanic *bazją
Proto-West Germanic *baʀi
Old English berġe
Middle English berye
English berry
English elderberry
Compound of elder + berry.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/elderberry