chokeberry

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

noun

, plural choke·ber·ries.

1. the berrylike fruit of any North American shrub of the genus Aronia, of the rose family, especially A. arbutifolia red chokeberry, A. melanocarpa black chokeberry, or A. prunifolia purple chokeberry.
2. the plant that bears this fruit.

chokeberry

/ -brɪ; ˈtʃəʊkbərɪ /

noun

1. any of various North American rosaceous shrubs of the genus Aronia
2. the red or purple bitter fruit of any of these shrubs

Word History and Origins

Origin of chokeberry¹

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; choke + berry

Example Sentences

When those gatherings finally happen, “spirit plates” — with the ancestors’ favorite foods, such as fried ribs, chokeberry jams and roasted buffalo — are served for attendees.

From New York Times

The chokeberry is another useful native plant for a full planting bed in wet areas.

From Seattle Times

The chokeberry is another useful native plant for a full planting bed in wet areas.

From Washington Post

The newly released 2020 medalists are the American hornbeam, the black chokeberry Viking, the coreopsis Zagreb, the cranesbill Biokovo, the smooth hydrangea Haas’ Halo and a Russian sage named Little Spire.

From Washington Post

The black chokeberry Viking greets the spring with white, apple-like blossoms, black fruit and red fall coloration.

From Washington Post