gooseberry

noun

goose·​ber·​ry ˈgüs-ˌber-ē How to pronounce gooseberry (audio)
ˈgüz-, 
-b(ə-)rē
chiefly British ˈgu̇z-
1
a
: the acid usually prickly fruit of any of several shrubs (genus Ribes, especially R. hirtellum of the U.S. and R. uva-crispa of Europe) grouped especially formerly in the saxifrage family but now often placed in a separate family (Grossulariaceae, the gooseberry family)
b
: a shrub bearing gooseberries
2
: currant sense 2

Illustration of gooseberry

Illustration of gooseberry
  • leaves and fruit

Examples of gooseberry 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.
The best time to take hardwood cuttings from blueberries, gooseberries, and currants is when the plant is dormant, from late fall to winter. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026 Later, those fully mature gooseberries can be harvested and eaten fresh or made into pies. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026 Currants and their close relatives, gooseberries, have the same basic pruning needs and are most productive when they’re pruned during the dormant season. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026 Favorites that can grow here include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, grapes and gooseberries. — Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gooseberry

Word History

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of gooseberry was in 1573

Phrases Containing gooseberry

Rhymes for gooseberry

See All Rhymes for gooseberry

Browse Nearby Words

goose barnacle
gooseberry
gooseberry gourd
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gooseberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gooseberry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gooseberry

noun
goose·​ber·​ry ˈgüs-ˌber-ē How to pronounce gooseberry (audio)
ˈgüz-
: the acid usually prickly fruit of any of several shrubs related to the currant

More from Merriam-Webster on gooseberry

Nglish: Translation of gooseberry for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gooseberry

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