inkberry

noun

ink·​ber·​ry ˈiŋk-ˌber-ē How to pronounce inkberry (audio)
1
a
: a holly (Ilex glabra) of eastern North America with evergreen oblong leathery leaves and small usually black berries
b
: pokeweed
2
: the fruit of an inkberry

Illustration of inkberry

Illustration of inkberry
  • inkberry 1a

Examples of inkberry 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 inkberry sets black berries that provide sustenance to birds in the winter. — Washington Post, 21 Apr. 2021 Would inkberry be a good replacement for my cherry laurel that is always covered with white scale insects? — Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, 3 Oct. 2019 Ives said aside from American holly there are two other native holly species in the sanctuary — inkberry (Ilex glabra) and winterberry (Ilex verticillata), along with several other nonnative species. — BostonGlobe.com, 5 Dec. 2019

Word History

Etymology

from the use of the berries for making ink

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inkberry was in 1765

Rhymes for inkberry

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Browse Nearby Words

ink ball
inkberry
ink black
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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