raspberry

noun

rasp·​ber·​ry ˈraz-ˌber-ē How to pronounce raspberry (audio)
-b(ə-)rē
Synonyms of raspberrynext
1
a
: any of various usually black or red edible berries that are aggregate fruits consisting of numerous small drupes on a fleshy receptacle and that are usually rounder and smaller than the closely related blackberries
b
: a perennial plant (genus Rubus) of the rose family that bears raspberries
2
[short for raspberry tart, rhyming slang for fart] : a sound of contempt made by protruding the tongue between the lips and expelling air forcibly to produce a vibration
broadly : an expression of disapproval or contempt

Illustration of raspberry

Illustration of raspberry

Synonyms of raspberry

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Examples of raspberry in a Sentence

One of the children made a raspberry at him. there were raspberries from the audience when the hapless actress kept forgetting her lines
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.
Spread raspberries on the bottom of the baking dish, lightly toss with sugar and lemon juice. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026 Black beans, lentils, raspberries, chia seeds, sprouted-grain bread, and avocados provide more fiber than sourdough bread. — Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 July 2026 On day three, the entire cake was assembled and slathered with cream and decorated with stripes made out of raspberries and piped stars on a patch of blueberries. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026 In contrast, the strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries that are typically used on a flag cake are easier to find and last longer in the fridge. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for raspberry

Word History

Etymology

English dialect rasp raspberry + English berry

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of raspberry was circa 1616

Phrases Containing raspberry

Rhymes for raspberry

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Browse Nearby Words

rasp-bar cylinder
raspberry
raspberry beetle
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

raspberry

noun
rasp·​ber·​ry ˈraz-ˌber-ē How to pronounce raspberry (audio)
-b(ə-)rē
1
a
: any of various black or red edible berries that are rounder and smaller than the related blackberries
b
: a usually prickly plant that produces raspberries
2
: a sound of scorn made by sticking out the tongue and blowing hard so as to make it vibrate

More from Merriam-Webster on raspberry

Nglish: Translation of raspberry for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about raspberry

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