bilberry

[ bil-ber-ee, -buh-ree ]

noun

, plural bil·ber·ries.

1. the fruit of several shrubby species of the genus Vaccinium.

bilberry

/ ˈbɪlbərɪ /

noun

1. any of several ericaceous shrubs of the genus Vaccinium , having edible blue or blackish berries See also blueberry
2. 1. the fruit of any of these plants
   2. ( as modifier )

      bilberry pie

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilberry¹

1570–80; obsolete bil (< Scandinavian; compare Danish bölle bilberry) + berry

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilberry¹

C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish böllebær , from bölle bilberry + bær berry

Example Sentences

I saw ripe bilberries gleaming here and there, like jet beads in the heath: I gathered a handful and ate them with the bread.

From Literature

When paired with steaming, chewy Icelandic bread and tart bilberry jam, it is the ideal combination.

From Salon

He hunted moose and deer and picked lingonberries, mushrooms, and bilberries.

From Scientific American

Red grouse have returned to the area to feed on the new growth of heather while patches of cranberry and bilberry have been spotted.

From BBC

Scots pine shin up the very steepest slopes, bilberries blooming in their shadow.

From The Guardian