checkerberry

American  

[chek-er-ber-ee] / ˈtʃɛk ərˌbɛr i /

noun

plural

checkerberries

1. the red fruit of the American wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens.

2. the plant itself.

3. any of several other plants bearing similar fruit, or the fruit itself.

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checkerberry British  

/ -brɪ, ˈtʃɛkəbərɪ /

noun

1. the fruit of any of various plants, esp the wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens )

2. any plant bearing this fruit

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Etymology

Origin of checkerberry

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; perhaps so named from its appearance

Example Sentences

Then, suddenly, she remembered that Rebecca was at home ill, and that she had entirely forgotten her, and the young checkerberry leaves she had intended picking for her sister.

From A Little Maid of Old Maine by Curtis, Alice Turner

"But, Aileen, won't you stay to supper?" said the twins at one and the same time; "we always have you to celebrate our checkerberry picnic."

From Flamsted quarries by Nelson, G. Patrick

“I will go over on the hill and get her some young checkerberry leaves,” resolved Anna, remembering how Rebby liked their sharp flavor.

From A Little Maid of Old Maine by Curtis, Alice Turner

We taste still the sting of checkerberry and woodsy flavor of the fragrant birch.

From Meadow Grass Tales of New England Life by Brown, Alice

A little pine grew in front, a juniper made its roof and spread its fine branches over the door, squaw vines and checkerberry leaves grew on either side.

From The Bay State Monthly — Volume 1, No. 1, January, 1884 by Various