inkberry

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

noun

, plural ink·ber·ries.

1. Also called gallberry. a shrub, Ilex glabra, having leathery, evergreen leaves and black berries.
2. the pokeweed.
3. the berry of either plant.

inkberry

/ ˈɪŋkˌbɛrɪ /

noun

1. a North American holly tree, Ilex glabra, with black berry-like fruits
2. another name for the pokeweed
3. the fruit of either of these plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of inkberry¹

An Americanism dating back to 1755–65; ink + berry

Example Sentences

The inkberry sets black berries that provide sustenance to birds in the winter.

From Washington Post

There are several wonderful varieties of the inkberry, a suckering, evergreen holly that is great as an informal hedge.

From Washington Post

It will be lined with flowering trees like dogwood and witch hazel and native plants like inkberry, swamp rose and goldenrod.

From New York Times

The terrace’s ledges, meanwhile, are planted with low grasses and perennials, from butterfly weed to inkberry to fescue.

From Architectural Digest

Large tree boxes with native plants, such as purple coneflower, switchgrass, inkberry and river birch, will also collect stormwater and provide habitat for District wildlife.

From Washington Post