partridgeberry

[ pahr-trij-ber-ee ]

noun

, plural par·tridge·ber·ries.

1. a North American trailing plant, Mitchella repens, of the madder family, having roundish evergreen leaves, fragrant white flowers, and scarlet berries.

partridgeberry

/ ˈpɑːtrɪdʒˌbɛrɪ /

noun

1. Also calledboxberrytwinberry a creeping woody rubiaceous plant, Mitchella repens, of E North America with small white fragrant flowers and scarlet berries
2. the berry of the wintergreen
3. another name for wintergreen

Word History and Origins

Origin of partridgeberry¹

First recorded in 1705–15; partridge + berry

Example Sentences

At the base of a white pine, partridgeberry forms a fine-textured carpet.

From Washington Post

“The berry we use most is the partridgeberry, also the wild blueberry,” says the inn’s executive chef, Jonathan Gushue.

From Washington Post

In late spring, partridgeberry produces paired flowers, and each has a separate ovary.

From New York Times

He also serves breast of rock ptarmigan and breast of spruce grouse, roasted over an open fire and served together on a plate drizzled with wild partridgeberry coulis.

From New York Times

Beyond the bread — four or five varieties daily — the chef makes the most of local ingredients, serving lobster pasta, fresh crab and seafood soup, in addition to the popular moose burger with partridgeberry ketchup.

From New York Times