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.
Longtime strawberry farmer Rod Koda has rows of plants on his California farm that are still producing fruit well after the harvest would typically end. — Haven Daley, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 The menu will feature ice cream, waffles, fruit bowls with ice cream, slushies and Dubai-style strawberries, Lozana explained. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 For years, Pappy’s Patch was a popular spot for families with young children to pick strawberries. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 The refreshing strawberry, red bell pepper and basil lemonade is a fan favorite, Herbert said. — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 7 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 14 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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