black cherry

noun

1. a North American cherry, Prunus serotina, having drooping clusters of fragrant white flowers and bearing a black, sour, edible fruit.
2. the fruit itself.
3. the hard, reddish-brown wood of this tree, used for making furniture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black cherry¹

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

Locals affectionately coined the name because cherries and black cherries were among the bear’s favorite foods, Corriere della Sera daily said.

From Seattle Times

The bear was well known in the area and named after a variety of black cherry that she was particularly fond of.

From BBC

In Texas, we have black cherries, which are sweet and tart, with a little hint of acidity, and less sweet than Rainier cherries, which are tender and juicy with a delicate mild sweet flavor.

From Seattle Times

Lisa is Persian, so the couple were delighted to find orchards in the Hudson Valley that could source perfect black cherries for a Labne Sour Cherry ice cream.

From Seattle Times

Made with black cherry ice cream, brandy and melted chocolate, it’s a rich and creamy dessert that lacks the uniqueness one might expect in a cherry blossom treat.

From Washington Post