strawberry

noun

straw·​ber·​ry ˈstrȯ-ˌber-ē How to pronounce strawberry (audio)
-b(ə-)rē
often attributive
1
: the juicy edible usually red fruit of any of several low-growing temperate herbs (genus Fragaria) of the rose family that is technically an enlarged pulpy receptacle bearing numerous achenes on its surface
2
: a plant whose fruits are strawberries
especially : a hybrid (Fragaria ananassa) that is the source of most cultivated strawberries

Illustration of strawberry

Illustration of strawberry

Examples of strawberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And captured the juiciness of ripe strawberries, snapping the fruit into sweet focus in a pint of strawberry and passion fruit ice cream. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Her cart included a Wegmans strawberry shortcake that her family in New York enjoyed during the holidays. — Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 The farm’s famous U-Pick strawberries are expected to be ready for picking Thursdays through Saturdays by Christmas in the adjacent property. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026 It’s currently offered in seven flavors including lemon lime, classic orange, cherry lime, strawberry lemonade, golden apple, Shirley Temple and root beer. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strawberry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English strēawberige, from strēaw straw + berige berry; perhaps from the appearance of the achenes on the surface

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strawberry was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing strawberry

Rhymes for strawberry

See All Rhymes for strawberry

Browse Nearby Words

straw bed
strawberry
strawberry aphid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strawberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strawberry. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

strawberry

noun
straw·​ber·​ry ˈstrȯ-ˌber-ē How to pronounce strawberry (audio)
-b(ə-)rē
: an edible juicy red fruit of a low-growing herb with white flowers and long slender runners
also : a plant that bears strawberries

More from Merriam-Webster on strawberry

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about strawberry

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