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.
The guest of honor will also get an on-the-house coconut-and-strawberry soft serve — with sprinkles, of course. — Lisa Shames, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 It’s filled with unique flavors that let your recipient try something new, like white chocolate, birthday cake, red velvet, strawberries and cream, and more. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026 Save especially good aged balsamic for drizzling over Parmesan, ripe tomatoes, or even strawberries and vanilla ice cream. — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 Because the fabric maintains a stable warmer environment and essentially acts like a small climate-control system, covered strawberry plants reached the fruiting stage sooner. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 17 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 27 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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