huckleberry

American  

[huhk-uhl-ber-ee] / ˈhʌk əlˌbɛr i /

noun

plural

huckleberries

1. the dark-blue or black edible berry of any of various shrubs belonging to the genus Gaylussacia of the heath family.

2. a shrub bearing such fruit.

3. blueberry.

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huckleberry British  

/ ˈhʌkəlˌbɛrɪ /

noun

1. any American ericaceous shrub of the genus Gaylussacia, having edible dark blue berries with large seeds

2. the fruit of any of these shrubs

3. another name for blueberry

4. a Brit name for whortleberry

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Etymology

Origin of huckleberry

1660–70, perhaps alteration of hurtleberry

Example Sentences

My favorite bites included a stuffed squab with farro, black trumpet mushroom relish, and huckleberry, as well as a whimsical dish called “The Truffle Hunt.”

From Salon • May 28, 2025

I really appreciated the language in the film, such as a line, “That’s a huckleberry above my persimmon,” which I am going to start using immediately.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2024

Fire is bad for all animals, but the first plants that come back, benefiting from openings in the tree canopy, are really good food for bears: huckleberry, cow parsnip and horsetail, to name a few.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

Analyzing the cranberry's genome can indicate when it diverged evolutionarily from some of its relatives, such as the blueberry, lingonberry and huckleberry.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2023

He came back after a while walking sideways, carrying hot dogs, huckleberry pie and strawberry pop.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith