chokecherry

American  

[chohk-cher-ee] / ˈtʃoʊkˌtʃɛr i /

noun

Chiefly Northern U.S.

plural

chokecherries

1. any of several cherries, especially Prunus virginiana, of North America, that bear an astringent fruit.

2. the fruit itself.

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chokecherry British  

/ ˈtʃəʊkˌtʃɛrɪ /

noun

1. any of several North American species of cherry, esp Prunus virginiana, having very astringent dark red or black fruit

2. the fruit of any of these trees

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Etymology

Origin of chokecherry

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; choke + cherry

Compare meaning

How does chokecherry compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• chokecherry vs. chokeberry

Example Sentences

But it’s important to try, he said, ticking off the reasons: Without restoration and resilience work, this piece of forest will likely convert to shrubland dominated by manzanita, whitethorn and chokecherry.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2023

But with a group of our size, bears could hear us from miles away, and there was no chance of surprising a grizzly in the midst of a chokecherry feast.

From Washington Post • Oct. 7, 2021

Many look for nectar on dandelion, rabbitbrush, Canada thistle, osier dogwood and chokecherry.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 27, 2021

Her land is now a patchwork of plants: 10-foot high chokecherry trees, lilac trees that stand just above your knee and infant evergreens.

From Washington Times • Jun. 16, 2018

I bustled myself inside, and soon there were four chokecherry pies cooling on the kitchen table—if it were possible to cool in this blamed heat.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson