strawberry

noun

straw·​ber·​ry ˈstrȯ-ˌber-ē How to pronounce strawberry (audio)
-b(ə-)rē
often attributive
1
: the juicy edible usually red fruit of any of several low-growing temperate herbs (genus Fragaria) of the rose family that is technically an enlarged pulpy receptacle bearing numerous achenes on its surface
2
: a plant whose fruits are strawberries
especially : a hybrid (Fragaria ananassa) that is the source of most cultivated strawberries

Illustration of strawberry

Illustration of strawberry

Examples of strawberry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those seeking a traditional dessert will love the strawberry eclair, served with strawberry cream and creme fraiche, but the unique choice is a trio of homemade vegan ice creams and sorbets. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Artyom Levshunov can’t believe the size of the strawberry shortcake in front of him. — Scott Powers, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Warm coppers and soft strawberry hues are having a major moment this summer—but with a more natural, lived-in finish that’s easy to wear, according to Raziuddin. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 July 2026 Use your hands to break the block of tofu into craggy hunks (about the size of strawberries). — Ali Francis, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for strawberry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English strēawberige, from strēaw straw + berige berry; perhaps from the appearance of the achenes on the surface

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of strawberry was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing strawberry

Rhymes for strawberry

See All Rhymes for strawberry

Browse Nearby Words

straw bed
strawberry
strawberry aphid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strawberry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strawberry. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

strawberry

noun
straw·​ber·​ry ˈstrȯ-ˌber-ē How to pronounce strawberry (audio)
-b(ə-)rē
: an edible juicy red fruit of a low-growing herb with white flowers and long slender runners
also : a plant that bears strawberries

More from Merriam-Webster on strawberry

Nglish: Translation of strawberry for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about strawberry

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