raspberry

[ raz-ber-ee, -buh-ree, rahz- ]

noun

, plural rasp·ber·ries.

1. the fruit of any of several shrubs belonging to the genus Rubus, of the rose family, consisting of small and juicy red, black, or pale yellow drupelets forming a detachable cap about a convex receptacle.
2. any shrub bearing this fruit.
3. a dark reddish-purple color.
4. Informal.
   1. Bronx cheer.
   2. any sign or expression of dislike or derision.

raspberry

/ ˈrɑːzbərɪ; -brɪ /

noun

1. any of the prickly shrubs of the rosaceous genus Rubus , such as R. strigosus of E North America and R. idaeus of Europe, that have pinkish-white flowers and typically red berry-like fruits (drupelets) See also bramble
2. 1. the fruit of any such plant
   2. ( as modifier )

      raspberry jelly

3. black raspberry
   Popular nameblackcap
   1. a related plant, Rubus occidentalis , of E North America, that has black berry-like fruits
   2. the fruit of this plant
4. 1. a dark purplish-red colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a raspberry dress

5. a spluttering noise made with the tongue and lips to express contempt (esp in the phrase blow a raspberry )

Word History and Origins

Origin of raspberry¹

1615–25; earlier rasp(is) raspberry (< ?) + berry; raspberry ( def 4 ) by shortening of raspberry tart, rhyming slang for fart

Word History and Origins

Origin of raspberry¹

C17: from earlier raspis raspberry, of unknown origin + berry : C19 in sense 5, from rhyming slang raspberry tart fart

Example Sentences

Preliminary findings estimated more than $7 million in agriculture losses from the fire, which scorched avocado, citrus, raspberry and other fields as well as rangeland, said Korinne Bell, Ventura County’s agricultural commissioner.

From Los Angeles Times

She reported 500 acres of avocado trees damaged or destroyed, 130 acres of citrus trees and 10 acres of raspberries, as well as 2,500 acres used for livestock grazing.

From Los Angeles Times

There were also funny bits about the “extra” in extra virgin olive oil and what happened when he ate a raspberry for the first time at the age of 40.

From Los Angeles Times

I drink raspberry shrub cocktails when I vacation with my girlfriends and go out for ice cream with my husband on the weekends.

From Los Angeles Times

If a special pair of swim goggles goes missing, or the grocery store only carries the blue raspberry version of a sports drink when they need fruit punch, it can send an athlete spinning.

From Salon